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AN HIST011Y 



MAGIC, WITCHCRAFT, 



ANIMAL MAGNETISM. 






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Sophocles. 

For this is not a matter of to-day, 

Or yesterday, but hath been from ail time, 

And none hath told us whence it came, or how. 




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EXPOSITION, 

OR A 

NEW THEORY 

OF 

ANIMAL MAGNETISM, 

WITH A 

KEY TO THE MYSTERIES: 
DEMONSTRATED BY EXPERIMENTS 

WITH THE 

MOST CELEBRATED SOMNAMBULISTS IN AMERICA: 

ALSO, STRICTURES ON 

"COL. WM. L. STONE'S LETTER TO DOOT. A, BRIGHAM." 

BY C. F. DURANT. 



H Step cautious, for beneath lies hid 
"The key to Time's dark mysteries. 
"'Twas buried before its birth — 
"So sleeps unnamed; but it may live ; 
" A whisper calls it forth — speak low — 
<"Tis Theory !" 

Chaldais inscription on a tomb stone. 



NEW YORK: 
PUBLISHED RY WILEY & PUTNAM, 161 BROADWAY 

PHlNfEP BY J. NARINfl, 11 WALL 8THBET, CORNER OF BROAD. 

1837, 



3& 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by 'James Narine, in the 
Clerk's office of the District Court of the Southern District of New York. 






CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

ORIGIN OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM. 

A fluid— Its effects on Eve — Effects on Children— Gipsies— Snakes charming birds — 
Sorcery— Witchcraft— Curing burnsby charms— Legislation against Natural Laws — 
Queen Margaret — Fortune -Telling — Magnetizer and Somnambulist in one — Prophecy 
—Singular prediction in the history of Josephine — Trance at Camp Meetings — Natu- 
ral Somnambulists— Miss Jane C. Rider— Reading with invisible eyes 14 

CHAPTER U. 

SCIENCE OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM FOUNDED. 

Dawn of the science in Germany — Opinions of its cause and effect — Used in the cure 
of diseases— Antony Mesmer, his progress in France— Commissioners of the King, 
check the progress of the science — Mainauduc— His triumph in England— Theory 
at that time— The Church of England arrayed against the science— Divine attro 
of Animal Magnetism S3 

CHAPTER III. 

A NEW ERA IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM (WITHOUT THEORY) UNDER DELEUZE. 

Da Puysegur discovers Somnambulism and Ciairvoyanee — Triumph of the scienct 
under Deleuze— His history— defence of the science — Foissac obtains anew examin- 
ation of Animal Magnetism from the Royal Society of Medicine — Report of the Com- 
missioners—Proofs of the magnetic iluid — Description of Somnambulism — Clairvoy- 
ance, its mysterious and supernatural effects 

CHAPTER IV. 

FIRST INTRODUCTION OF THE MAGNETIC SCIENCE IN AMERICA. 

Charles Poyen St. Sauveur lectures at Pawtucket — Triumph of the science under Poyen 
— New converts and disciples— Evidences offered in support of the doctrine— h> 
derful attributes— References to prove the truth of the science— Case of Clairvoj 
— Case of paralyzing a limb— Effect of the will— Reading letters with invisible 

eyes 

CHAPTER V. 

THE AUTHOR'S FIRST EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM IN THU CITY UV 

NEW YORK. 

Author's opinion of the science— A branch of Electricity— Introduction to prof 
Andros— His history— Somnambulic sleep — Extraordinary cases of Clain • . -* 
Mrs. Andros, her history— First experiment in New York— Wonderful effects on the 
brain of the Author— Falls in a magnetic sleep— Reverie— Poetically inspired— Solilo- 
quy—Resolves on mighty deeds 

CHAPTER VI 

AUTHOR'S NEW THEORY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM. 

Matter in chaotic mass, globules in the formation of the universe A.tmoaf>heie— Water- 

Inaniinatemittor— Vnimals— Man- Magnetic fluid- EWtriorv i. I* He— Mapnet* 
Natural sleep-^Magnetic sleep— Polarity of Man— Cerin— It* properties- Knowledge, 
communicated by magnetic cords— Fluid carries off diseases 73 



CHAPTER VII. 
SECOND EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM IN NEW YORK. 

Objections to new theory over-ruled— Case of William Wadsworth explained— Case of 
Miss Parker explained— Dream— Rapid conception of the brain— Captain Lefever's 
experience in thought— Theory proved by experiment— Conversions to the new 

theory— Bright future 80 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THIRD EXPERIMENT IN AMMAL MAGNETISM IN NEW YORK. 

Fluid forced through a wall — Transmission of the magnetic fluid— How affected — Theory 
confirmed — Important notes necessary to be read in order to be well understood 88 
CHAPTER IX. 

FOURTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM IN JERSEY CITY- 

Mrs. Andros describes things in Boston — Describes things in Calcutta— Sceptics — 
Fluid forced through four walls— Polarity pioved — Very important notes, not to be 

overlooked 92 

CHAPTER X. 

PIFTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM IN JERSEY CITY. 

Mir*. Andros goes in spirit to New York — Things are darkish— Some talk about bleeding 
—Somnambulist cries and jumps-^Paralyzing the arm — Explanation of crying — 
Theory in bad odour.. 97 

CHAPTER XI. 

SIXTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM IN NEW YORK. 

Interesting discussion about the bleeding — Bright prospects of the future — Fluid enters 
through wall a little before its time — Interesting notes about cutting off an arm. . , . 103 
CHAPTER XII. 

SEVENTH AND EIGHTH EXPERIMENTS IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM AT NEW YORK. 

Mrs, Andros in better health— Extraordinary effect of the fluid — Forced through fifty 
walls— Beautiful effect of the theory — Author wills himself in magnetic communica- 
tion—Explanation — Notes which ought to be read 109 

CHAPTER XIII. 

NINTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM IN NEW YORK. 

Mrs. Andros describes furniture in the city, and jn Brooklyn — Gets in the wrong 
house — Gets out again— Beautiful effect of the *' will" — Theory more firmly esta- 
blished — Notes of importance, which are well worth the trouble of reading 114 

CHAPTER XIV 

TENTH AND MOST IMPORTANT EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM 
IN NEW YORK. 

Cerin produces the most wonderful effects by cutting off the magnetic fluid — Cause 
why — Theory permanently established against all opposition — Most ready for a 

lecture 120 

CHAPTER XV. 

FIRST LECTURE ON ANIMAL MAGNETISM EY THE AUTHOR. 

Philosophical reasoning on the incidents connected with events — Mrs. Andros goes- to 
I'roviiHjnce— Important disclosures made to Mr. Andros— Magnetic sleep shown to be 
no aloep at all— Plans of great promise for the future .. 129 



VI 



CHAPTER XVI 

ELEVENTH, TWELFTH AND THIRTEENTH EXPERIMENTS IE ANIMAL MAGNETISM, 
AT PROVIDENCE, R. I. 

Mrs. Andros sees no better at home than abroad— Theory rising in the world— Miss Ann 
Eliza Ebon feels queer — Thinks she is asleep — Opens her eyes by the new theory 
after being burned to death— Magnetic somnambulism in a dog— His case is described 
in the notes 140 

CHAPTER XVII. 

FOURTEENTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM AT PROVIDENCE, E. I. 

Professor Cleaveland's somnambulist at Pawtuxet — Mrs. Andros thought it was the 

paper box — Thought he sat there— It looks strange — White House !— Mine gentlemen 

— Remarkably correct — Key to Colonel Stone's picture history 153 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

FIFTEENTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM AT PROVIDENCE. 

Miss Loraina Bracken — Her true portrait— Can distinguish objects very well— Hears a 
newspaper — Hears a knife — Sees much, but can't tell— Sees a noise !— Shifts the cot- 
ton—Yes, I see it — Don't want to tell— Can read a letter — Let her read this 15V 

CHAPTER XIX. 

SIXTEENTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM AT PROVIDENCE. 

Miss Parker sawadiseased spleen— Hears a book and knife— It is paper, but it ain't— 
Not quite asleep— Magnetized a little more— It is M. but it ain't — Pantomime— How the 
man whips that child— Theory never worked better— Col. Stone's picture in the 
notes : .... 173 

CHAPTER XX. 

EFFECTS OF THE AUTHOR'S THEORY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM. 

Rev. Professor Daniel Greene, his marvellous works— Professor A. Potter — Sorry I 
wrote it— According to the theory— Can't count money— Can't look at a watch— Beware 
of my theory 160 

CHAPTER XXI. 

SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH EXPERIMENTS IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM AT 

NEW YORK. 

Miss Ayres — Magnetic convulsions — Author sees thoughts with invisible eyes— She 
hears the wrong hand — Can't see my theory — I thought so, too— Mysterious dream 
of the Author— Chips turned to money— Exchange very high— Notes should be 
taken up and read 1S» 

CHAPTER XXII. 

IMPORTANT FACTS RELATING TO THE HISTORY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM. 

Philosophical ramble — I never think of such things — I am satisfied they are asleep 
that is enough — But I ain't — Mysterious atmosphere about the author— Did you say 
so— No— Letter of David M. Reese, M. 1).— Mrs. Andros again in New York— She 
must think she is asleep— Tells a great deal better— Can't tell what ticket draws ths 
high prize in the- lottery— Balance of account in the notes 203 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

STRICTURES ON COL. R'M. L. STONfi's LETTER TO DOCTOR A. BR1GHAM, ON 
ANIMAL MAGNETISM. 

Letter 216 



DEDICATION. 



To Professor Wayland, 

President of Brown University: 
Sir, 

In reviewing the eminent names which adorn the literature 
and science of our country, to find one most worthy to receive 
the dedication of this book, I was surprised to find among so 
many advocates for the beautiful science of Animal Magnet- 
ism, so few, who like yourself, have dared to step fearlessly 
forth in its defence against a sceptical warfare. 

Your name stands isolated and far above all other disciples 
of the immortal Deleuze. Doctor Nott, Colonel William L. 
Stone, and the thousand other disciples of this beautiful doc- 
trine, cannot compare with your great influence and heroic 
conduct in disseminating the tenets of Animal Magnetism. 
There may be others whose u wills" are equally strong in the 
doctrine, but they lack your influence and courage, and per- 
haps not a few of them u retain a faint impression' ' of the 
immortal sentiment — 

w He that in the war gets slain, 
May never live to fight again." 

But you, Sir, have fearlessly defended your talisman — 
you have braved the front of battle, and you alone deserve 
the dedication of a work whichlforever must place the science 
of your choice beyond the , .possibility of doubt. Your letter 
of introduction and recommendation, in your own hand writ- 
ing, to professor A. V. Potter, An. Mag., has done more to 



Vlll 



gain converts to the doctrine of Animal Magnetism, than all 
the books that have been written on "remarkable interviews." 
Professor Potter has exhibited your letter to thousands ; it 
has served him for a passport, and the thousands who read it 
have exclaimed, " Well, if Professor Waylandisa believer, 
then there must be something in Animal Magnetism, and I 
will be a believer too." 

It is, Sir, the great influence of your name in the promul- 
gation of the science, in the making of proselytes, and the 
silencing of hardened unbelievers, as well as a sincere admi- 
ration of your brilliant talents and sound judgment, which have 
induced me to offer this small token of respect, and to pray 
that you will authorise this dedication of Durant's Theory of 
Animal Magnetism. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient 

and humble servant, 

The Author. 
Jersey City, 7th Oct. 1837. 



INTRODUCTION. 



In the parliamentary discussion of any important subject, 
a few prefatory remarks on the part of the speaker seem es- 
sential to prepare the minds of his hearers to receive with 
due force the evidences he may offer on the question at issue. 

As an author, I have promised much, and no less than a 
key to the mysteries of Animal Magnetism. I am aware of 
my responsibility to the public in promising to unfold the 
arcanum of a pretended science, which has confounded mil- 
lions, and which after a condemning scrutiny from special 
agents appointed by the French government, and another 
condemnation from a special commission by a scientific in- 
stitution, is again on the ascendency, and claiming for its vo- 
taries thousands of the scientific and intelligent men in all the 
civilized portions of the globe. But I have no fears as to the 
result of a careful perusal of this book: the evidences are too 
numerous, and too convincing to admit hereafter of doubt. 

Some objections may be made to the plan of the work, 
and particularly to the four first chapters : but a moment's 
reflection, by judicious minds, will convince them that such a 
plan was appropriate and judicious to the full accomplishment 
of the object in view ; satire may reach and conquer some 
minds, who would be deaf and insensible to the arguments of 
reason. The best satire on a false doctrine is to award to 
it all the attributes which its deluded votaries claim for their 
idol. I have done no more and no less, in sketching the rise 



and progress of Animal Magnetism up to me time u was first 
introduced in the North American States. 

The discussion may bear hard on some names that are the 
subject of remark, and some sensitive minds may even consi- 
der me cruelly severe : but to such and to all I would say, 
think on the necessity of the case — think on the loud call 
from justice which prompted me to the task. I would gladly 
have avoided offence to the sensibility of the meanest creature 
on earth ; I had a higher and nobler object in view, delicacy 
liad been offended, good sense had been offended, and human- 
ity was offended with this vile infatuation claiming with mer- 
ciless grasp for its victims, millions of both sexes in the 
community. To stay such offences, to redress such wrongs, 
to arrive at the goal of success, it was necessary to be severe. 
Justice prompted me to sting with the lash of truth, all objects 
that impeded my course. 

The step I have now taken is not without reflection on the 
respect due to the feelings of others, and of my own respon- 
sibilities, both moral and legal, in making characters truly 
eminent in society the subjects of public remark and rebuke. 

A few unimportant errors may have occurred in the minor 
details of the history, and these when pointed out, I will 
cheerfully correct; on the whole, I have* asserted nothing but 
truth, and stand prepared to defend all that I have written, 
against the denial of whomsoever may take offence at any 
part of the narration. I have not asked permission to publish 
names ; and the best apology I can offer for such deviation 
from such established usage, is, that the names were important 
to my argument, and could not well be dispensed with ; tl>e 
necessity of the case must serve for my excuse. 

I have yet more valuable evidence in support of my ar- 



XI 



gument, which I have omitted to give in this book, because 
I have already given more than sufficient to carry, full convec- 
tion to all minds open to the evidences of truth ; more evi- 
dence, I judged, would fatigue the reader, and I have already 
exceeded the number of pages contemplated in the com- 
mencement of the work. 

It is usual for authors on their first introduction, to express 
great diffidence of their own abilities : but as I am giving 
truths and not fiction, I will here at least express my true 
sentiments, and candidly avow that I feel no diffidence and 
no fears as to the success of the work. I at least think that 
I understand my subject, and feel conscious of possessing 
abilities to meet all opposition which may arise to thwart the 
accomplishment of the object in view. 

I am aware of the stubborn madness possessed by persons 
infatuated with a false doctrine, and the improbability of sud- 
denly restoring them to a correct sense of reason. I am 
also aware that among the large number of enthusiasts, whose 
keen sensibilities will be touched by my remarks, there are 
many eminent writers, who will probably take up the pen to 
hurl vindictive curses on my head. To such men, and to 
all critics, I would say, my demands are the annihilation of 
Animal Magnetism, the establishment of truth on the founda- 
tion of nature's known and invariable laws, against the crazed 
usurpation of a wild and unholy infatuation ; and I now stand 
in the breach, and throw down the glove. 



CHAPTER I. 

ORIGIN OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM. 

Jl fluid — its effects on Eve — effects on Children — Gipsies — 
Snakes charming birds — Sorcery — Witchcraft — Curing 
burns by charms — Legislation against Natural Laics — 
Queen Margaret — Fortune Telling — Magnetiser and 
Somnambulist in one — Prophecy — Singular Prediction 
in the history of Josephine — Trance at Camp Meetings — 
Natural Somnambulists — Miss Jane C. Rider — Read- 
ing with Invisible Eyes. 

The origin of Animal Magnetism is coeval with the crea- 
tion of Eve. The extremely subtil and invisible fluid, which 
when in contact with the animal brain, is capable of perform- 
ing all the phenomena cf this wonderful science, had existed 
millions on millions of years anterior to the creation of man, 
and is probably coeval with the birth of the trilobite, or even 
. creation itself. The sun's rays must pass through a 
.suitable medium to cause the phenomenon of light — so this 
invisible fluid continued unknown, though not inactive, until 
some of its inherent properties were developed in passing 
through a suitable medium, which was found to be the com- 
plicate and delicate brain of the highest order in the organized 
forms of creation. 

The smallest insect, the most simple form of vegetal; 
and the more noble formation of matter in man, were a!! i 
diums through which this fluid ever has, and still cOQtini 
to flow, producing all the symmetry, beauty and phenome- 
na of nature, which, to superficial minds, are no- 
ticeable, because they are of such frequent and even m 
sant occurrence, and are classed with the phenomena C 



w 

earth, cmly* the first time the brain receives their impression 
by the force of that mysterious fluid through the medium of 
the senses. A child is in mute ecstacy at the first so&nd* ©f 
the spring-rattle. He sees it; the mysterious fluid perva- 
ding all space, instantly impresses 0*1 his brain;, through the 
delicate lens of the eye, the form of the: instrument from* 
which such strange notes had. proceeded. He leaps with: joy 
when he perceives it is made of wood, and analogous to oth- 
er forms of things, long sine© familiar to his senses, by re- 
peated examination of the impression of similar obieets re- 
tained in the vast store-room of the brain. He seizes with 
delight the play-thing, and wonders that an* instrument so 
simple in its construction, could have caused him to wonder, 
when the strange music caused by its vibrations were first 
transmitted to his ear. He continues the manipulations and 
finds amusement in the harmony of sounds, until the sympa- 
thy of the nervous system,, that accurate tuning key of nature's 
wkxd-harp, softens the harsh tones of the rattle:; when, the 
whole forms a perfect chord on the' brain, which continues to 
amuse the senses, until monotony fatigues the imagination, 
and a new and more curious phenomenon is sought for, pro- 
bably in the decomposition by fire of the very toy which; 
once sent forth such strange sounds to the ear. He scarce- 
ly ceases to wonder at the flame issuing from his lighted 
torch, when he is called to the' window to scan a still 
more marvellous phenomenon in the air, fr ^a kite! a kite!''' 
a paper kite, buoyed aloft with a simple thread, is now the 
object of mute astonishment, followed by feud demonstra- 
tions of joy, as the mysterious fkid conveys through the ea- 
ger distended eye to the brain r a perfect impression affifog 
cbject which first held him: mute in. astonishment- 



The most learned among men are but children in embryo ; 
when their researches in science are compared with the vast 
&nd unlimited field which remains unexplored * Innumerable 
are (he forms imprinted on the brain in the life time of man, 
Each form was a phenomenon ; : each in turn became familiar; 
the whole; becomes monotonous, and the imagination, aided 
by the inventive genius of the brain-; seeks among the count- 
less millions of forms in creation for some new phenomena 
to feed the insatiate vortex of familiar monotony. 

In the eager desire to reach after phenomena, the reasoning 
faculties are dormant,- and man is capable only of admiring 
the wonderful effect on his brain without knowing the c 
Which produced ft; when, with less eagerness and more rea- 
son, man could refer to his brain, which ever retains the' im- 
pression received from innumerable objects, amdng which 
may be discovered forms sufficiently analogous to reconcile' 
the most wonderful phenomenon to the known and familiai 
(aivs of nattire, continually in operation around us; so the 
effects of Animal Magnetism continued to be seen, felt and 
admired in its various modifications, long before it received 
a nafrie among the sciences of the earth. In a subsequent 
chapter, I will give the theory which harmonizes and recon- 
ciles all the phenomena attending this science, and show the 
natural causes continually operating to produce it. I will, 
likewise, divest it of every supernatural attribute which its vo- 
taries and opposers are so zealous in ascribing to it. Enouud] 
for the present chapter will be to show its origin, its rise, and 
developments, under t&e various wrongly applied names of 
charnis, sorcery ^ beguilemerits, fortune-telling by the ©ipsies, 
tod witchcraft of the ancients and moderns. 

T^ san*}' fluid, which now unpertfeived by the "keenest 



17 

eye, is flowing through all organized matter, supporting life, 
when in a just equilibrium, and producing the effects called 
Animal Magnetism, when forced from its natural channel, 
was in existence from the creation, and commenced its un- 
natural effects on our race in the garden of Eden. The be- 
guilement by the serpent was merely the effect of this myste- 
rious fluid operating on the brain and nervous system of 
Eve. The same fluid held Adam in magnetic sleep "when he 
committed the unholy deed, for which, we, his posterity, are 
doomed to suffer as penance. The snake at all times has 
used the same fluid in subduing the feathered tribe. The 
charm attributed to this animal, is the self same magnetism 
which is now the subject of wonder in its effects on the brain 
of civilized man. The sorcerers of India knew the power of 
this fluid, and used it for the vilest purposes of deception. 
Witchcraft in all countries, was a branch of Animal Magnetism; 
it was the effect of the magnetic fluid, called a- u volition of the 
will" emanating from the witch by the animal force of the nerves ; 
the c 'bewitched" was the needle obeying the will of the mag- 
net, and exhibiting all the phenomena common to the present 
science of Animal Magnetism. The pointing downwards of 
' a crotched stick to indicate a stream of water flowing through 
the earth; the rat-catcher's charm, and the soothing power 
possessed by many of curing scalded and burned flesh, are 
volitions of the will, and modified branches of this heretofore 
intricate science. 

The Gipsies, as a community, probably knew more of the 
astonishing power to be derived from the magnetic fluid 
than any collective race of beings on the globe. Their ac- 
curate predictions of future events are now subjects of histo- 
ry, and thousands of the most respectable inhabitants of Eu- 



rope have testified to the perfect fulfilment of events predict- 
ed by this people. Their origin and habits of life are as cu- 
rious as their magnetic phenomena. It is supposed that they 
came from Hindoostan, from the fact that their language jc- 
sembles in all its parts the Hindoostanee, notwithstanding they 
have been dispersed and wandering nearly four centuries in va- 
rious parts of the earth. Like the witches in our own country, 
the Gipsies have been persecuted in civilized Europe. 
1530, we find penal statutes against them in England ; a s 
>eqi5ent act, made it death for them to continue in the k 
dom; and it is recorded, to the disgrace of England, 
thirteen were executed for this offence alone, but a few years 
prior to the restoration ; this cruel act was not repealed un- 
til 1733, when the science of Animal Magnetism was suffi- 
ciently improved to show the injustice and inhumanity of le- 
gislating against the laws which Nature designed to be estab- 
lished for some benevolent purpose to mankind. The G 
sles were expelled France in the middle of the sixteenth cen- 
tury, and Spain in 1591. Though expelled by statutes, they 
have not been entirely extirpated in any country ; they are 
stil] numerous in Asia, and the northern parts of Europe, 
their collective numbers are estimated at nearly a million of 
souls. Though scattered over the globe, they retain tl 
similar and original character and habits ; their principal 
siness is fortune-telling, in which they succeed to an ex* - 
ordinary degree, by the aid of the magnetic fluid, which I 
are so long accustomed to use, that they far surpass the I 
magnetic somnambulists of this country, not excepting M - 
Andros, Miss Brackett, Miss Parker, Miss El on, or Miss 
Avres, of magnetic celebrity in Providence. Havii 
nessed experiments with all these Indies, and having 5< 



19 

some of the magnetic experiments with the Gipsies., I dp npt 
hesitate tp declare jp favor of the latter, for accuracy in pr^cjict^ 
ing fujure events, as well as for the more extraordinary power 
of H Clairvoyance" manifested in the magnetic sleep, by see* 
ing through innumerable envelopes of paper, land annihilating 
distance, which they travel in spirit, although thousands pf 
miles distant from the body, and tell in one minute what is 
being transacted in the harem pf the Sultan, while the sprn* 
nambulist's body may be in Providence or France. 

Grellman, who wrote the history of the Gipsies, and in^ 
deed all persons who have been much acquainted with the 
habits and manners of this interesting race, regard them as a 
very singular phenomena; they are not changed by climate, 
and the sword has not been able to extirpate thern, In all 
countries they are the same wandering tribe, living in small 
huts, and though subject to the laws of the country in which 
they reside, they nevertheless have their own government as 
a community, the head of which is termed ^ Queen of the 
Gipsies. 35 Many of them attain a very advanced age. Mar* 
garet Finch, who died at Beckenham, in Kent, Oct, 24th, 
1740, lived to the extraordinary age of one hundred and nine 
years ; Margaret held the title of queen ; after travelling near* 
ly a century, she settled at Norwood, w T here her extraordi** 
nary powers in Animal Magnetism, (denominated c ^ fortune* 
telling" by the superficial philosophers and unlettered people,) 
attracted, as it does in all countries, numerous visitors of the 
most respectable families in the country. 

c <From a habit of sitting on the ground, with her chin resting 
on her knees, the sinews at length became so contracted that 
she could not assume any other position, After her death, 
they were obliged to enclose her in a deep square bp^. Her 



20 

funeral was attended by two mourning coaches ; a sermon 
was preached on the occasion, and a great concourse of peo- 
ple attended the ceremony. Her portrait now adorns the 
sign-post -of a hotel in Norwood, called the Gipsey House. 
In air adjoining cottage., resides to this clay, the grand-daugh- 
ter of queen Margaret ; she inherits the title of queen, and 
has reached a very advanced age. 55 She is the niece of queen 
Bridget, who was buried at Dulwich, in 1768. She inherits 
a knowledge of the magnetic fluid, and continues to practice 
with great success. She is unlettered, like all the race of this 
■extraordinary people, and therefore her powers are not suffi- 
ciently systematised to rank in the sciences, and though de- 
nominated u fortune-telling" by some, and u supernatural 
revelations 59 by others, it is, nevertheless, a branch and most 
constituent part of the science of Animal Magnetism. 

A very extraordinary feature in the magnetic power of the 
Gipsies seems to have escaped altogether the notice of scien- 
tific men, and Animal Magnetizers in particular. I allude to 
die great difference in the manipulations or process to pro- 
duce magnetic somnambulism ; it is well known by all who 
have witnessed experiments in Animal Magnetism, that the 
somnambulic sleep is produced by the " volition of the will," 
as it is termed, from the magnetizer, and therefore requ 
two persons to produce a magnetic somnambulist. When 
it is equally well known by all who have had the pleasure ol 
witnessing the Gipsy experiments, that each one within th 
selves., is both the magnetizer and the magnetized, without 
any fluid whatever emanating from a second person ; the 
lition of each will, instantly forms its own brain into a 
nambulist, who can, not only travel instantly to any part of 
the globe, and with an extraordinary power of u clairt 



21 

ance," tell the situation of things and passing events, but 
likewise look into futurity for hundreds and even thousands of 
years, and predict with much accuracy the time, place and 
circumstances to be connected with extraordinary events. 
The pages of history are prolific in the fulfilment of such pre- 
dictions. I will select one from the thousands on record, to 
confound the most skeptical cppcsers of the science, and carry 
conviction to the most stubborn unbelievers, of a fluid which 
has existed in all times and in all ages, and is constantly of- 
fering to our senses the proofs of its power, when directed by 
a skilful magnetic somnambulist. The case I would offer, 
is that of the Empress Josephine, the consort of Napoleon. 
Her character stands above the reach of suspicion, as regards 
an extenuation of the extraordinary prophecy; and its equally 
extraordinary fulfilment is too well known by all persons, to 
require any extracts on my part from history, to prove it. I 
will relate the circumstance in Josephine's ow T n w 7 ords ; and, 
reader, if you are an unbeliever in Animal Magnetism, ob- 
serve well your own emotions, while perusing the prophecy, 
you will feel the very hairs raise from your head, caused by 
the transmission of the same magnetic fluid, which enabled 
the sable African, when in St. Domingo, to predict for years 
in advance, the events connected with the history of France, 
equally as important and extraordinary as the fall of the an- 
cient Jerusalem. Read it ; it is from her, who under the 
most trying situations and circumstances, proved the most no- 
ble, as she was the most amiable of her sex. 

(c One day, some time before my first marriage, while taking- my usual walk, 
I observed a number of negro girls assembled found an old woman, engaged in 
telling their fortunes. I drew near to observe their proceedings. The old sibyl, 
on beholding me, uttered a loud exclamation, and almost by force seized my 
hand. She appeared to be under the greatest agitation. Amused at these ab- 
surdities, as I thought them, I allowed her to proceed, saying, ' So you discover 
something extraordinary in my destiny T— { Yes.' — ' Is happiness or misfortune 



22 

to be my lot?' — 'Misfortune. Ah, stop !— and happiness too !'— { You taki 
not to commit yourself, my good dame ; your oracles are not the most intelligi- 
ble. 5 — • I am not permitted to render them more clear,' said the woman, n 
her eyes with a mysterious expression towards heaven.—' But re the point, 
plied 1, for my curiosity began to he excited ; ' what read you concerning me 
in futurity V — 'What do 1 see in the future? You will net believe me 
speak.' — 'Yes, indeed, I assure you. Come, my good mother, wl 
fear and hope V — • On your own head be it then ; listen : You will b 
soon; that union will not he happy ; you will become a widow, and then- 
then you will be Queen of France! Some happy years will be yours; but 
will die in an hospital, amid civil commotion.' " 

"On concluding these words," continued Josephine, "the old woman 
from the crowd, and hurried away, as fast as her limbs, enfeebled by a : 
permit. 1" forbade the bystanders to molest or banter the pretended proph 
on this ridiculous prediction ; and took occasion from the seeming absui 
of the whole proceeding, to caution the young negresses how they gave heed to 
such matters. Henceforth, I thought of the affair only to laugh at it wil 
relatives. But afterward, when my husband iiad perished on the scaffo 
spite of my better judgment, this prediction forcibly recurred to my mind 
a lapse of years; and though I was myself then in prison, the transaction 
assumed. a less improbable character, and I ended by regarding the fulfilment 
as almost a matter of course." 

The event of this extraordinary prophecy is well knev 
Her second marriage was to General Napoleon Boaapai 
9th March, 1796. On the 18th May, 1804, was 
the prophecy of cc Queen of France," and the circums 
attending her death are equally well known. AH France 
been a cc slaughter house," and all France was a u hosp 
at the time of her death. 

This black woman, like the Gipsies, was capable i 
herself of controlling the magnetic fluid; she was both. 
magnetizer and somnambulist; she required no assistance fi 
a second person to put her asleep. She was able 
own will to draw the magnetic fluid from remote space 
even from futurity, through her own nervous system am 
which thereby received an impression of all thing- past, 
sent and future, which could readily, by the e 
speech, be made known to the inquirer, who fi 
true philosophical reasoning would be unable to sec the 
logons workings of the magnetic fluid in objects around hi 
and lost in amazement, would pronounce the oracle a super- 



23 

statural phenomenon, and the magnetic somnambulist or for- 
tune-teller in concert with some unknown and mysterious 
power* 

This superiority in the Gipsy and African sorcerers over 
die more scientific magnetizers, induced me to pursue with 
more zeal my inquiries in Animal Magnetism. I admire sim- 
plicity, and have generally observed thii Nature's most per- 
fect work? are always most simple. I planned my experi- 
ments, with a view to ascertain if the somnambulist could not 
magnetize herself, and my efforts were crowned with the 
most perfect success. The process is extremely simple and 
every one who will read these subsequent chapters, no mat- 
ter what may be the state of his or her nervous system y or 
age, can be a Somnambulist, and Magnetizer, within them- 
selves, without the aid of a second person, and perform all 
the phenomena common to Animal Magnetism. 

In describing a few of the various forms under which the 
magnetic phenomena have appeared, since the serpent's con- 
quest in Eden, until it assumed a name among the sciences, 
I would notice the phenomenon called Trance, frequently 
developed at protracted meetings, for religious rites in church- 
es, and more frequently in the forest, under the name of 
camp meetings, The trances are too well known to need 
much description from me in this place. I will notice them 
more folly, when I explain the causes which produce it. 

It is the effect of the same mysterious fluid; the person 
affected by it suddenly falls in a magnetic sleep; they are 
then magnetic somnambulists, and perform all the phenome- 
na peculiar to Animal Magnetism ; their spirit frequently 
leives the body, and after traversing the confines of earth, re- 
turns to its cgse of organized clay, and there, through the or- 



24 

gans of .speech, relate to the wondering crowd the incidents 
actually occurring at that moment, perhaps thousands of miles 
distant, in some cavern or convent, secured by walls and 
doors of cemented stone and iron, impenetrable to sight or 
animal strength of mortals in possession of the ordinary func- 
tions of life. Even more, they have been known in the short 
space of an hour, to travel in spirit to the regions of punish- 
ment and reward for the dead, and on awaking, have related 
the cheering and heart-rending scenes to thousands of the most 
respectable witnesses, many of whom are preachers and can 
•testify to the frequent occurrence of such facts. The phe- 
nomenon known as "clairvoyance," is in the trance quite as 
remarkable as that exhibited in the usual magnetic sleep, and 
even far exceeds that of reading a letter through various en- 
velopes of paper, or of telling the time by a clock, in a re- 
mote or adjoining building or room. 

Another class of phenomena which belongs to this science, 
is the "clairvoyance" exhibited by natural sonambulists. A 
very extraordinary case occurred in Springfield, Massachu- 
setts, in June, 1833, and continued for nearly one year. M) 
readers are undoubtedly aware, that I refer to the case of 
Miss Jane C, Rider. A very scientific description of her 
case has been published by professor L. W. Belden, M. D. 
her .attendant physician, I will hereafter show the cause of 
this phenomenon, and for the present will merely cite the 
words of J)r, Belden, to prove the "clairvoyance" o( Mi 
Rider, 

" On Nov, 10th, it was proposed to ascertain whether 
ghe could read with her eyes closed, She was seated in a 
corner of the room, the lights were pjaced al a distance from 

her, and so serened as to leave her in &lm< lark- 



ness. In this situation, she read with ease a great number 
of cards, which were presented to her, some of which were 
written with a pencil, and so obscurely, that in a faint light 
no trace could be discovered by common eyes. She told 
the date of coins, even when the figures were obliterated. 
A visitor handed her a letter, with a request that she would 
read the motto on the seal, which she readily did, although 
several persons present had been unable to decipher it with 
the aid of a lamp. The whole of this time, the eyes were to 
all appearance perfectly closed. 

" She fell asleep while I was prescribing for her, and her 
case having now excited considerable interest, she was visi- 
ted during that and the following day by probably more than 
a hundred people. To this circumstance undoubtedly, is to 
be attributed the length of the paroxysm, for she did not wake 
till Friday morning, forty-eight hours after the attack. 

cc During this time, she read a great variety of cards, writ- 
ten and presented to her by different individuals; told the 
time by watches, and wrote short sentences. 

tC For greater security, a second handkerchief was some- 
times placed below the one which she constantly wore over 
her eyes, but apparently without causing any obstruction to 
the vision. She also repeated with great propriety and dis- 
tinctness, several pieces of poetry, some of which she had 
learned in childhood but had forgotten, and others which she 
had merely read several years since, without having ever 
committed them to memory. A colored girl ccme in and 
seated herself before her; she was asked if she knew that la- 
dy ; she smiled and returned no answer. Some one said: 
she has a beautiful complexion, has she not ? Jane laughed 
heartily, and said C I should think she was somewhat tanned.' " 



2Q 

The high respectability of Miss Rider, and the probity 
and undoubted science of Dr. Belden, precludes the possi- 
bility of doubt in the case referred to. The only error, 
which is common to all the preceding cases, was, attributing 
the phenomena to some special supernatural cause, instead of 
classing them where they certainly belong, as a branch of the 
science of Animal Magnetism; which can be clearly demon- 
strated by the well known and analogous laws which govern 
the universe. It is left for me to perform that task, which I 
hope to accomplish so clearly, that a child may control the 
science, and all persons be able at a glance to range all the 
phenomena produced by the magnetic fluid under its proper 
title. 

I have thus noticed a few of the various phenomena pro- 
duced by this mysterious fluid, from the creation of man un- 
til the middle of ike eighteenth century, when an apparent 
new phenomenon was produced by certain manipulations and 
volitions of will, producing sleep on persons affected with 
nervous irritability, and performing numerous cures in those 
submitted to the action of the fluid, supposed to be transmit- 
ted by the operator's manipulations and volition of will. This 
new phenomenon received the name of Animal Magnetism, 
from the unusual physiological effects being produced by the 
will of another animal (man,) employing a fluid, suppoj 
analogous to that which gives the magnetic property to iron. 

This new science, afforded a broad field for philosophical 
hypothesis, conjecture and research ; the principal agent 
(fluid) was invisible, yet producing by its agency, the mo>\ 
wonderful, and to many, supernatural effects on the physiolo- 
gical constitution of man. The superstitious required but a 
sight, or even the description of a single case, to bring them 



27 

in the pale' of ite follower's,- Scientific &ncf pMo&Opfiicaf fe$* 
sooers gradually became its supporters^ and drew with them 
a large proportion of the less scientific? tholigh more sensible 
and intelligent., to worship at the shrine of this partially Oc-* 
cult science, the phenomenon of which, would be the fcun^ 
dation of n new theory f (to be raised on the ashes G-f the Mo^ 
saicj Copernician and Newtonian,) whose canopy would 
overarch cosmogony, and whose structure would elicil tte 
spontaneous production of Mfe* 



CHAPTEM II, 

SCONCE $f ANIMAL MAGNETISM f&tfTSt&Eff* 

Dction of the science in Germany'' — 'Opinions of its idiis£ 
and effect-^Used in the cure frf diseases-^-Jlnlony M&s^ 
mer, his progress in France— Commissioners of the King,- 
check the progress of the $cience—^Maiftcmdnc-^-his fri* 
nmph in England-*-- Theory M thai time-^The Church 
of England arrayed against the science — Divine atirU 
lutes of Ardmal Magnetism.' 

In the first discovery of this rietv science, sO'mn&rabulisfti 3 
Was rare, and ^clairvoyance' 3 ' unknown. It remained for 
other more ingenious philosophers to discover, By repeated' 
experiments, the most extraordinary faculty of travelling in' 
spirit^ to see and communicate the situation of things thou- 
sands of miles distant from the body of tfe somnambulist. 
Enough,, however, was knofcn 1 to inspire th6 rriOst Cnthusiats- 
tic and Wild expectations. Its principal ufres was Curing" of 
diseases y tod exhibitions of its wonders, to gratify the 4 cu- 
rious, with lectures to instruct the uninitiatfed irf th& manipu-' 
lations necessary to produce ihe phen^menctav- Some' of its 



28 

advocates claimed for it powers of a very superior order, an; 
asserted it was a divine inspiration given to man for be- 
nevolent purposes, and to be wrested from his grasp tiic 
moment his object should be perverted to base and vinlicU 
designs on his race. 

Among the most fervent advocates of the science at t 
time, was Antony Mesmer, born at Wieler 5 in Germany. 
He taught publicly the doctrine; wrote several treatise s 
the ^cience 1 and performed many w r onderful cures by the 
of the magnetic fluids during an Extensive travel which he 
performed through Germany, Swabia, Switzerland, and Bava- 
ria- Wonder followed his footsteps and fame heralded his 
approach in advance.. He arrived at the French metropol : s 
in 1778, where he performed many w r onderfu! cures? tvhicli 
drew to the standard of Animal Magnetism thousands cf lE 



& 1 - 



k 



classes in the community * who embraced the doctrine in its 
fullest extent, and hailed the discovery of the magnetic fluid 
as a panacea to remove all manner of diseases,, and to renew 
and invigorate age. Enthusiasts in the cause were not want- 
ing, who claimed an immediate divine revelation for the pow- 
er, mid indeed the very manipulations to produce such extra- 
ordinary results, induced the most sober philosophers among 
its votaries^ to believe the whole science of Animal Magnet- 
ism a supernatural phenomenon. 

Such high pretensions in a civilized country, might well 
be supposed to- create opposition from those fearful of m 
tire perversion of the established laws and order of society. 
Its advocates became enthusiasts ; its opponents _ d in 

their demands on the civil authority to suppress St. The 
King's government instituted ail. inquiry into its pntdfeions 
md merits. The comraissior* wa* composed of fetiia of ex- 



29 

alted character and science, chosen from the Royal Society 
of Medicine, and the French Academy of Science. Dr. 
Franklin, then a Plenipotentiary from the United States to 
the French Court, was one of the commission. M. D'Es- 
lon, who wrote a treatise entitled, " Observations sur k 
Magnetisme" was a member of the Royal Academy of 
Medicine, and a firm disciple of Mesmer, who pronounced 
him a powerful magnetizer. 

From this gentleman the commission obtained the most of 
their experiments ; perhaps because of evasion on the part 
of Mesmer to furnish suitable opportunities for investigations. 
Be that as it may, the commission reported against Animal 
Magnetism in 1784, and the weight of their characters and 
decision had sufficient influence to suppress, only for a time 
the progress of this science in France. 

During Mesmer's experiments in Paris, other portions of 
Europe felt the influence of this mysterious fluid. The sci- 
ence was born and cradled in Germany, where the giant con- 
tinued to disseminate light, and gain converts to the faith. 
England furnished her share of its champions, and amonp- 
them was Mainauduc, whose success in healing the sick and 
gaining converts to Animal Magnetism, almost equalled that 
of Mesmer, in France. In some respects, Mainauduc was' 
superior ; his lectures contained more philosophical reason- 
ing, and were therefore more powerful in gaining converts 
from the scientific and philosophical opposers of the science. 

The following condensed summary, by Robert Southey, 
from the lectures of Mainauduc, is the most philosophical 
that I have seen, and conveys the best idea of the science as 
practised in the time of Mesmer, before Somnambulism and 
Clairvoyance were discovered in the patients under the in- 
fluence of the magnetic fluid. 



30 

ft is, likewise, more similar than any other to my theory, 
which accounts for and explains the last discovered phenom- 
enon "clairvoyance," and which led to the important results 
disclosed in the subsequent chapters. 

According to the science of Animal Magnetism at that 
time, 

'The earth, its atmosphere, and all their productions, are only one, and each 
is but a separate portion of the whole, occasionally produced and received bac;; 
into itself for the purpose of maintaining a continual and regular rotation of an- 
imate and inanimate substances. An universal connexion subsists between 
everv particle and mass of particles of this who'e, whether they be compre- 
hended under the title of solids or fluids ; or distinguished by the particular ap- 
pellation of men, beasts, birjds, fish, trees, plants, or herbs; all are particles of 
the same original mass, and are in perpetual cycle, employed in the work of 
forming, feeding, decomposing, and again re-forming, bodies or masses. A 
regular attachment universally exists betwepn all particles of a similar nature 
throughout the whole ; and all forms composed in and of any medium of parti- 
cles, must be influenced by whatever effects that medium, or sets its particles in 
motion ; so that every form in the earth and atmosphere, must receive and 
partake of every impulse received by the general medium of atoms, in which, 
and of which, they are formed. 

All forms are subject to one general law ; action and re-action produce hen', 
some of their constituent atoms are rendered fluid by heat, and form streams, 
and convey into the form atoms for its increase and nourishment ; this is call- 
ed composition by vegetation and circulation. Circulation not only brings in 
particles for growth and nourishment, but it also carries off the useless ones. 
The passages through which these particles pass in and out, are called pores. 
By a pore we are to understand a space formed between every two solid atoms 
in the whole vegetating; world, by the liquefaction of the atom, which, when 
solid, filled up that space. As circulation, vegetation, and consequently animal 
life arise from the formation of pores, so the destruction of them must terminate 
every process of animal existence, and each partial derangement of porosity 
induces incipient destruction of the form, or what is called disease. 

By the process of circulation adorns of various kinds are carried in, depo- 
and thrown out of each pait of every form ; and every form is surrounded ami 
protected by an atmosphere peculiar to itself, composed oi these particles i : 
culating fluids, and analogous to the general atmosphere of the earth. T. 
the general atmosphere of the form. The solid parts of the body throw ofl :n 
the same manner their useless particles, but these pass off and become bli I 
with those of the general atmosphere of the. earth. These are called the 
nations of the form. Thus then earth and atmosphere are one whole, of which 
every form is but a part, the whole and all its parts are subject to the s 
laws, and are supported by action; action produces re-action; action an 
action produce heat; heat produces fluidity ; fluidity pr 
produce circulation ; circulation produces vegetation; 
forms: forms are composed of solids and fluids; solids produce era 
fluids produce atmospheres; atmospheres and emanations proi 
composition; total decomposition is death.; d< ' ,jrn 

the atoms to the general mass of re- product ion. 

The whole vegetating svstem is comprised in miniature in man. He IS com- 
posed of pipes beyond conception Qum< reus, and forme 1 oi p U R ecu 

B 



31 

which the most minute porosity admits, in every direction, the passage of atoms 
and fluids. The immense quantity of air which is continually passing in and 
out through every part and pore of the body, carries in with it such atoms as 
may become mixed with the general atmosphere, and these must either pass 
out again or stop in their passage. If they should be of a hurtful nature^ -they> 
injure the parts through which they pass or in which they stop ; if, on the con- 
trary, they should be healthy and natural, they contribute to health and nour^ 
ishment. Butchers, publicans, cooks, living in an atmosphere of nutritious 
substances, generally become corpulent, though they have slender appetites;, 
painters, plumbers, dyers, and those who are employed in atmospheres of per-- 
mcious substances, become gradually diseased, and frequently lose the use of 
their limbs long before decomposition takes place for their relief. 

Hence, it appears that the free circulation of healing atoms through the whole; 
form is necessary, and that obstructions of its porosity, or stoppage of iis cir- 
culating particles, must occasion derangement in the system and be followed 
by disease. To obviate this evil, innumerable conductors are placed in the bo- 
dy, adapted by their extreme sensibility to convey information of every impress 
sion to the sensorium ; which, according to the nature of the -impression or the 
injury received, agitates, shakes, or contracts the form to thrust forth the of-, 
fending cause. Thfs is Nature's established mode of cure, and the efficacy of 
the exertion depends on the strength of the system; but thesesaiutary efforts 
have been mistaken for disease. 

As every impression is received through one medium disposed over the whole 
form for that purpose, it may be asserted that there is but one sense, and that 
ail these impressions are only divisions of the sense of feeling.. The accuracy 
ci any of these divisions depends on the health of the nervous system in gene- 
rah This nervous or conducting system is only a portion of a much greater 
one, similar in its nature but far more extensive in its employment. 
Tnere arein the general atmosphere innumerable strings of its component atoms;, 
asiness of these strings is to receive and convey, from and through every 
pari of the atmosphere, of the earth, and of their inhabitants, whatever impulses 
they receive. These conductors are to be called atmospherical nerves; the- 
nerve? of the human body are connected with these, or rather are a part of them. 

Tnis is elucidated by the phenomena of sound. Theorists agree that sound 

is produced in a bell by the tremulous motion of its component atoms, which 

alternately change its shape from round to oval a million of times in one in- 

; as is proved by horizontally introducing a bar_ into the aperture, which 

e nteracting one of the contractions, the bell splits. The conveyance of sound 

they account for, by saying that the atoms of the atmosphere are displaced by 

: ternate contractions of the bell. Place a lighted candle near the bell, and 

iicory is overthrown; if the general atmosphere is agitated, wind must re- 

hut "the flame of the candle remains steady. Let us substitute the true 

process. 

Every impression in nature has its own peculiar set of conductors; and no 
two sets interfere with, or impede each other. The stroke of the bell affects the 
nearest atom of the nerves ot sound, and runs along them in every direction. 
Human nerves are continuations of the atmospherical; all animated beings be- 
ing only as warts or excrescences, which have sprung up amidst these atmos- 
pherical nerves, and are permeated by them in every direction. The atmos- 
:al nerves of sound are parts of the auditory nerves in man ; the atmos- 
pherical nerves of light are continued through man to form his optic nerves ;•■ 
and thus the auditory and optic nerves of one man are the auditory and optio 
nerves of every animated being in the universe: because all are branches sent 
oil from the same great tree in the parent earth and atmosphere. 

It may be asked, what prevents the derangement of these innumerable 
strings, when the atmosphere is violently agitated? Aerial nerves are like 
those of animated bodies composed of atoms,. hut tf he atoms are inJooser con-* 



tact. When a ray of sunshine comes through the hole in a window-shutter, 
tae atoms are visible, and the hand may pass through them; but they ins! 
resume their situations by their attractive connection 

Every inanimate substance is attached >o its similar : all animate and inani- 
mate substances are attached to each other by every similar part in ea< 
their compositions; all animate beings are attached to each other hy every 
similar atom in their respective forms, and all these attachments are form 
atmospherical nerves. If two musical instruments perfectly in unison be pla- 
ced one at each end of the same apartment, whatever note is struck upon 
one wiL be repeated by the other. Martial music may be heard by a v. 
army in the fieid ; each note has its peculiar conductor in the general ai 
pnere, and each ear must be connected with the atmospherical conductor A 
each note; so that every note has not only its separate conductor in the at- 
mosphere; but also its separate conductor in every ear. We have got through 
the hypothesis, now to the application. 

The mind is the arbitrator over the bones, the muscles, the nerves, and the 
body in general ; and is that something which the anatomist's knife can neither 
dissect, discover, nor destroy. But to define wnat that something is, we must 
apply to the words of our Saviour, — ''It is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of 
your Father which speaketh in you;" the decisions, adoptions, arid cpnim 
of this spirit are man's volition ; but we are not accustomed to investigate the 
means by which volition is exerted, nor to seek for the privilege of improving 
it beyond the common necessary avocations of life. Yet, if it be properly sought 
lor, a power of volition may be called forth in man in a far more exalted degree 
Elian what he now exerts; a power subordinate to a far superior one, by whom 
it is portioned out to individuals according to the purposes for which they exert 
it, and which is partially or totally recalled when neglected or abused. The 
accomplishment of any purpose of the Will, depends physically on the length 
oJ time required for its performance, ana on the undis urbed continuance of the 
act of volition during that time. The least interruption, or the change of the 
will to any other subject before the first intention is accomplished, totally des- 
troys the influence. This axiom is unalterable in tins new science of healing, 
that to produce salutary cflects the' suggestion must be pure and moral, tue at- 
tention steadily determined, the intention single and fixed, and volition vigor- 
ously exerted, continuing unvaried and unrelaxed either till the purpose is af- 
fected or relinquished. 

The atmospherical part of the human body is capable of contraction, of dis- 
tention, and of duection ; it may be attracted from, or distended to, any unlim- 
ited distance; and may be so directed as to penetrate any other form in na- 
ture. 

The rejected atoms from the fluid, and emanations from the solid parts of 
bodies, when rightly understood, are the only and unerring criterion by which 
the obstructions" and diseases of each part can be ascertained; and when judi- 
ciously employed, they become material instruments for the removal ot every 
malady. They are subject to the influence of volition ; and may be forced out 
of their natural course, or attracted into the pores of the operator ; and the hu- 
man body, which in many respects resembles a sponge, is adapted to rect 
such emanations and atmospheres as a skilful practitioner may propel into any 
part of it, and to afford them a free' passage wherever he directs them 
countless number of universal nerves w(nch combine with, and are regular 
continuations of those similar conductors called nerves in animal forms, are 
subject to the influence of man's /spiritual volition,' and are atrected or infl 
cedif we strike* one or more of 'ihem with the atoms which are continually 
flowing from us ; that affection is conveyed on to euch parts of the body as 
those conductors are attached to, and the nature and degree of the impulse 
■will be according' to the nature of the intention and the energy oi the fc 
Horn 

b2 " 



33 

To determine the situation, nature, and extent of derangement or disease, re- 
course must be had to the atoms which proceed from the patient; for the re- 
jected atoms resemble, in their healthy or diseased qualities, the parts from 
which they pass. These particles of matter are so immediately subject to the 
influence of combined spiritual volition, that the established system by which 
they are mixed with the universal medium gives way during our exertion, and 
they follow the course which we prescribe; and whatever may be the direction 
or medium through which we propel them, they remain unalterably the same; 
and continue passive and unchanged either by distance, direction, or contract, 
until we withdraw that influence and discharge them from our service. 

To judge of the state of the part from whence these atoms proceed, they 
must be attracted to some part of the examiner's body, and must strike his 
nerves; this process is called receiving impressions or sensations from the pa- 
tient. Every substance in nature will afford some impression to that part of his 
body which the experienced examiner opposes to receive it, but professors usu- 
ally prefer the hands and especially the fingers. The roots of the nails most 
commonly announce the first impressions, because the cuticle is thinnest in 
that part, and the pungent emanations more readily arrive at the nerves. No 
part, perhaps, of this astonishing science, says the lecturer, creates more jeal- 
ousy among students than their susceptibility of sensations. Some enjoy that ' 
privilege to a great degree of accuracy, even at the first essay, whilst others are 
in pursuit of it for months. This difference is at first constitutional ; but when 
the science has produced a proper influence on the mmd and morals, the im- 
pressions insensibly grow into accuracy. It sometimes happens that they who 
are most susceptible at first, become totally deprived of that blessing until they 
approve themselves more worthy servants. It is essentially necessary to ren- 
der the process of receiving the atoms emitted from every object familiar; this 
will be effected by habitually seeking for them. For this purpose students 
should frequently receive the emanations from salt, sugar, water, fire, and in 
short from every substance which occurs ; by this means they soon become 
expert. 

There are two modes of examination ; the first is that which should accu- 
rately be attended to by newly initiated students, as it affords a catalogue of 
sensations which become a regular standard to judge of all diseases by, and to 
reduce examination to accuracy and perfection. This mode consists in oppo- 
sing one or both hands towards the patient. The examiner should sit or stand 
in an easy position, cautiously avoiding all pressure on his body or arms, lest 
he should suspect the impressions to proceed from that cause rather than from 
the disease. He should fix on some particular part of the patient, external or 
internal; then turning the backs of his hands, he must vigorously and steadily 
command the emanations and atmospheres, which passfrom that part to strike 
his hands, and he must closely attend to whatever impressions are produced 
on them. He must not permit his attention to wander from the object ; if he 
should, his labor is entirely lost. To render the process more steady, the eyes 
of the examiner should be fixed on the part to which he is attending with the 
unvaried intent of directing the effluent atoms towards his hands; it might 
naturally be supposed that his eyes should be open, but is better they were shut, 
as all extraneous objects are by thnt means excluded, and the porosity of the 
eyelids removes the idea of impediment It is perfectly immaterial what may 
be the distance between the examiner and the patient; the process and the im-- 
pressions will be exactly the same, provided he calls forth in himself the requi- 
site exertion. 

The second mode of examination is by opposing the whole body to that of 
the patient. In this, the operator must not seek to know where the patient is, 
but recollecting that all human beings are connected to each other by innu- 
merable atmospherical nerves, and that the whole medium in which they are 
placed is composed of loose atoms, he must fix his attention on the patient as 
if he stood before him. Thus situated, he must vigorously exert his power to 



84 

attract all the emanations and atmospheres proceeding from the patient to him- 
self. The atoms then which proceed from each particular part of the patient iu.i 
to the same parts of the examiner, who feels in every part of his own person 
whatever the patient feels in his, only in a less degree, bat always sufficiently 
to enable him to describe the feelings of the patient, and to ascertain the very 
spot in which the derangement exists, and tiie consequences resulting from it. 
If the examiner's attention is directed only to one particular viscus, that b 
viscus alone will receive information in himself; but if it be generally directed, 
every part of his body will give an account of its own proceedings. It is to be 
remarked, that fndiseased parts will not convey any remarkable impression to 
the examiner, as nothing results from health but gentle, soft, equable heat. 

The mode of healing is termed Treating;— it is a process marie use of by the 
operator to create, if partially obliterated, or to increase if becom< languid, the 
natural action and re-action in any part of the body; and to assist nature by 
imitating and re-establishing her own law, wuen she is become inadequate to 
the task. This process is the opposite to the last ; in that the examiner attract- 
ed the atoms from the patient to himself, but in this he must propel 
from himself to the patient. By a steady exertion of compound volition we . 
it in our pow r to propel the particles which emanate from out own body against 
and into whatever part of any other form we fix our intention upon, and can 
force them in any direction and to any distance. Tims by a continued and 
regular succession of particles, directed vigorously in a rapid stream against 
those atoms which are stopt in their passage and accumulated into a heap, we 
break down the impediments, push off those atoms which we detach, direct 
them into the circulating currents for evacuation, and save the system from all 
the evil consequences which its impeded functions were occasioning. This is 
like throwing handfuls of shot at a heap of sand in a rivulet which, as the 
grains of sand are separated from each other, washes them along before it. As 
all obstructions are not equally hard or compact, they are not all destroyed with 
the same facility. A single look will often prove sufficient for a recent accu- 
mulation of particles; for an accidental contraction or sudden distention; 
whereas those of a long standing and of a more serious nature demand frequent, 
long, and judiciously varied treatment. 

The general process of treatment is an influence of mind over organized mat- 
ter, in which organized matter is the occasional instrument. The mind should 
be able to perform this work without any particular motions of the body or of 
its extremities. But, says the professor, inexperience and the frequent disturb- 
ances which occur to divert the attention, induce us to adopt some mode of ac- 
tion; the constant repetition of which may attract, rouse, or recall the mind to 
:ts subject, when it becomes languid or diverted from its employment. He 
he adds, we generally employ our hands in the act of treating; and write, as it 
were, our various intentions on each part of the motions we make t 
or, in fact, we trace on the diseased part with our current of emanations the 
rious curative intentions of our mind or spirit. 

The pathology is soon explained. The impressions produced upon the fingers 
of the examiner by the stone, will be heaviness, indolence, and cold. Burns 
and scalds produces heavy dull pricking at first ; when inflammation 
place, great heat and sharp pricking, but indolent numbness from the centre. 
Rheumatic headach occasions pricking, numbness and creeping or \ 
motion; heat, if the patient be strong, cold, if he be relaxed. Inflamm 
sedby confined wind produces intense heat, pricking and creeping; the b< 
occasioned by the inflammation, the pricking by the wind, acting ag 
obstructed pores, and the creeping by the motion of the wind from o 
another. Pus communicates to the hand of the examiner such a fei i 
ness as we should expect from dipping the hand in it, but combined with prick- 
ing, from the motion which the wind^contained in it makes in its endeavors to 
escape. Diseased lungs make the fingers feel as if dough had been permitted 



§5 

to dry on them, this is called clumsy stiffness. Pleurisy occasions creeping, 
heat, and pricking : deafness, resistance and numbness. Contracted nerves 
announce themselves to the examiner by a pressure round his fingers, as if "a 
string was tightly bound round them ; cases of a relaxed habit by a lengthened 
debilitated sensation; diseased spleen, or ovaries, by ^spinning in the finger-ends 
as if something were twirling about in them. The impression which scrofula 
produces upon the practitioner, is curious and extraordinary : at every motion 
■ which he makes, the joints of his fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders crack . 
Worms excite creeping and pinching; bruises, heaviness in the hands and 
numbness in the fingers. ' ' € 

The Modus Operandi must now be exemplified ; premising, according to the 
professor's words, that the operator's own emanations become for him invisible 
fingers, which penetrate the pores, and are to be considered as the natural and 
only ingredient which are or can be adapted to the removal of nervous or any 
other affections of the body. 

Instead, therefore, of lithotomy, the stone may thus he cured without danger 
or pain. This invisible power must be applied to the juices which circulate in 
the vicinity of the stone; and they must be conducted to the stone and applied 
to its surface, that the stone may be soaked in them for the purpose of dissolving 
the gum which makes the particles of sand cohere. If the hands are employed 
in this process, the mind must conceive that the streams of atoms, which con- 
tinually rush forth from the fingers, are continued on ; and lengthened out into 
long invisible fingers which become continuations of our natural ones ; and 
which, being composed of minute particles, are perfectly adapted to pass 
through the pores of another form ; and to be applied, as we should apply our 
visible fingers, to the very part On which it is intended to act. The last process 
is action ; by striking those very emanating particles that constitute that invi- 
sible elongation of the part of our own body which it is intended to employ^ 
whether i: be the hand, the eye, or any other part — by striking them forcibly in 
constant and rapid succession against the stone, the particles of sand having 
been rendered less : tenacious by the soaking, loosen and fall apart, and are 
washed out of the body by the natural evacuation. 

One instance more will suffice. In cases of indigestion, the sensations pro- 
duced by the ropy humor in the stomach are a thick gummy feel on the fingers; 
and when they are gently moved they meet with a slight degree of resistance. 
To judge of the depth of this slimy humor, the fingers must be perpendicularly 
dipt in it to the bottom of the stomach ; the consequence will be the impression 
of a circular line, as if a string surrounded each finger, marking the depth to 
which they had sunk. Now, to remove this derangement, the coat of the 
stomach must be cleared, which is done by the invisible fingers scraping all the 
internal surface. 

It follows incontrovertibly from the principles which have been advanced, 
that as the practitioners in this art heal diseases, so they can communicate 
them ; that they can give the itch by shaking with invisible hands, and send 
a fit of the gout to any person whom they are disposed to oblige. 

In England, as in other countries, the science had many 
opposers, and indeed what worldly or national good does not 
meet with opposition ? The administration of the United 
States under George Washington, the greatest and best, met 
with some opposition from the enemies of a Republican Go- 
vernment, and at this day, the pretended friends of our beloved 



36 

xountry are forming a formidable phalanx against the success- 
ful completion of the wise measures emanating from the chief 
magistrate of the nation. They even attempt to deride this 
most wise and consistent statesman with the epithet of u lit- 
tle magician," and many jealous and unprincipled politicians 
attribute his triumph in the Presidential Chair, to u the effect 
of the magnetic fluid operating on the brain of his supporter 
at the moment of inditing this paragraph there is borne to rny 
ear on the cords of the air, even the loud peans of the multi- 
tude reverberating the sound of the deep toned cannon, with 
its five hundred mouths proclaiming u glad tidings from the 
South," ;U good news from the West," a u triumph in Rhode- 
Island," a u victory in Maine," but in reality a "purchase 
of honest integrity" to fill up the rear-guard of " vile oppo- 
sition." 

Mainauduc had many opposers in England; the church was 
a formidable enemy to Animal Magnetism ; the jealous cler- 
gy accused him of blasphemy, and instigated the people I ) 
suppress the doctrine of the magnetic fluid, to prevent a rev- 
olution in the "legally established order of faith." To 
show the injustice of such accusations, I will here give an ex- 
tract from Mainauduc *s excellent lectures, which were pr' 
in a quarto volume, with his portrait, in 1798. 

"I flatter myself," says this pious and benevolent man, at the close of lis 
tures, " you are now convinced that this science is of too exalted a nature to be 
trifled with, or despised ; and I fondly hope that even the superficial spec 
which you have thus far received, has given you room to suppose it not a hu- 
man device held out for the sportive gratification of the idle moment, but 
vine call from the affectionate creating Parent, inviting his rebellious c\\\ 
by every persuasive, by every tender motive, to renounce the destrin t 
mentsef earthly influence; , and to perform the duties which he sent hit 
Son in the world to inculcate, as the only and effectual conditions on n\ 
deluded/3pirit in man should escape future punishment. The aposth ifl 
and accepted of those terms; disciples out of number embraced the doctl 
and by example, by discourse, and by cures, influenced the minds of the untl 
ing multitude, absorbed in sin and rioting in obstinate disobedience. \ 
the Almighty. Father designs to rouse his children from that indifference to 



37 

their impending fate, into which the watchful enemy omits no opportunity of 
enticing them. To lead our Saviour from his duty, the tempter showed and 
offered him all this world's grandeur ; — so he daily in some degree does to us. 
Our Saviour spurned him with contempt, and so must we. Our blessed Sa- 
viour, whose spirit was a stranger to sin, cured by perfect spiritual and physical 
innocence, and by an uninterrupted dependence on his Great, Omnipotent, 
Spiritual Father. He never failed. His chosen apostles cured by relinquish- 
ing this world and following him. We have but one example, that I can recol- 
lect, of their having failed ; and then Christ told them what was necessary to 
ensure success. The d sciples and the followers of the apostles performed ma- 
ny cures, but how far they were chequered by failures I am not informed. Pa- 
racelsus, SirKenelm Di^by, Sir Robert Fludri, and several others, experienced 
sufficient power in themselves to verify the words of our Saviour; but were 
soon deprived of what was only lent to urge them to seek for the great original 
cause, "Verily, verily," said Christ, "the works which I do shall ye do also; 
and greater works than these shall ye do, for I go unto my Father." Valen- 
tine Greatrakes,* by obeying the instructions imparted to him in visions, per- 
formed many cures ; but ceasing to look up to the source, and giving way to 
medical importunity, he administered drugs and couldnot expect success. Gas- 
ner, a moral and religious man, performed many cures ; he was shut up in a 
convent, through the ignorance of his superiors and superstitious blindness of 
the age he lived in ; thence his progress was trivia!, though his dawnings seem- 
ed to promise much. 

Mesmer pillagedt the subject from Sir Robert Fludd, and found to certainty 
the existence of the power : undisposed to attend to our Saviour's information, 
he preferred loadstones and magnetic ideas to the service of the Great Author ; 
and after performing several accidental cures, his magnetism and his errors 
shared the same fate of his predecessors. Doctor D'Elson, his partner, though 
a man of strong reason and impartiality, ascribed the power which he experi- 
enced to the physical will of man ; and after performing some cures, he fell 
asleep. At length, after so many centuries of ignorance, it has graciously plea- 
sed the Almighty Father to draw aside the veil, and disclose his sacred myste- 
ries to this favored generation. And when I shall be called home, it will, I 
hope, appear that for a bright and happy certainty of serving my God, and li- 
ving with my Saviour, I pointed out to you, my brethren, the Almighty's real 
science, and that path to Heaven whicU Christ, the only perfect and successful 
one of this list) left to mankind as his last testament and inestimable dying 
gift." 

Such were the pious lectures of Mainauduc, whose benev- 
olent services in the magnetic science, will, I hope, be justly 
appreciated wherever my theory! of somnambulism and 

* An Irish gentleman, who practised Animal Magnetism with great success ; he cured 
tho King's-Evil and many other obstinate cases of disease. His fame was so great, 
that Lord Conway sent for him to come to England, to cure a grievous headache 
which his amiable lady had endured for many years. 

t Mainauduc here speaks rather disrespectfully of his brother in science, but such 
feelings are common in all professions. I am in possession of much private slander 
circulated by the magnetizers of Providence, against their brethren in the profession. 
Even the clergy sometimes speak disrespectfully of a brother clergyman* particularly if 
he possesses a more than ordinary share of talent and fame 

J Vide chapter VI. 



38 

clairvoyance, with the result of the experiments in this coun- 
try to try its philosophical basis, shall become more general- 
ly known. 



CHAPTER III. 

A NEW ERA IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM (WITHOUT THEORY,) 
UNDER DELEUZE. 

J)e Puysegur discovers Somnambulism and Clairvoyance — 
Triumph of the science under JDeleuze— his history— defence 
of the science — Foissac cbiains a new examination of An- 
imal Magnetism from the Royal Society of Jlledicine — 
report of the Commissioners — proofs of the magnetic fluid 
— description of Somnambulism — Clairvoyance, its mys- 
terious and supernatural effects. 

The science of Animal Magnetism soon revived from the 
withering blast sent to it by the malicious report of the French 
King's commissioners. New facts were elicited, and new 
phenomena exhibited in the patients under the influence of 
the mysterious fluid. 

De Puysegur, a gentleman of great eminence in wealth and 
respectability, discovered and made known a few months af- 
ter the Commissioners' report of 17S4, the most extraordi- 
nary phenomena in the history of magnetical science. 

Somnambulism and Clairvoyance, hitherto unknown to 
be produced by the fluid, were by De Puysegur, discovered to 
form part of the science. This new phenomenon soon man if 
ed itself in nearly all the patients of the numerous magnetic pro- 
fessors in Europe, and gave to this interesting science a new 
force and extension, which time and unjust opposition has 
served to increase and expand. The French revolution re- 



39 

tarded its progress for a .while in that country, but it soon 
gained new vigor under the magical wand of Deleuze. 

This eminent gentleman and philosopher was bora at Sis- 
ieron, Lower Alps, in 1753. In 1798, he was chosen as- 
sistant Naturalist of the Jar din cles Plantes, at. Paris. He 
translated u Darwin's Lives of the Plants," in 1799, and 
Thompson's Seasons, in 1806. He is likewise the author 
of u Euxode, or Conversations on the study of the Sciences, 
Letters and Philosophy," and also of " Histoire Critique 
du Magnetisme," and u Instruction Pratique" in the same 
science. "In 1828, he was appointed Librarian of the Muse- 
um de Histoire Naturelle, and is member to many learned 
and philanthropic societies in Europe. His critical history 
of Magnetism appeared in 1813, and has probably done more 
.than all other works to advance the interest of this science. 
His cc Practical Instructions" appeared in 1825, and these 
two works, now translated into most of the European langua- 
ges, form the standard for instructive lectures and manipula- 
tions to all the professors of the science in Europe and Ame- 
rica. 

He dispenses with all hypothesis and theory, which makes 
his works infinitely more useful to the professors of the sci- 
ence, many of whom, I regret to say, are so unlettered as to 
be totally incapable of comprehending the beautiful theory 
taught in the time of Mesmer and Mainauduc, before the ad- 
dition of somnambulism and clairvoyance. The discovery of 
this last named phenomenon would render it impossible to 
maintain the science on that theory, and therefore Deleuze 
acted wisely to abandon all hypothesis, leaving each one to 
account for it as he best could, and establish the science on 
$he broad and sure foundation of the numerQus facts produce^ 



40 

; by the manipulations and attested by the most influential and 
respectable witnesses.— cc> I shall -not," said Deleuze, (as re- 
. ported in his life by Foissac,) ." permit myself to form any 
theory, but will only state what has been witnessed by myself, 
and others worthy of credit." After giving a sketch of the 
history of its discovery, and various oppositions to it, he de- 
votes a long chapter to the examination of proofs on which 
the science is founded. 

He first lays down undisputed, correct principles of the 
probability of testimony, and applies them, with sound logic, 
to the examination of the proofs of Animal Magnetism. He 
shows that its effects have been attested by thousands of re- 
spectable witnesses, among whom are physicians, savans and 
enlightened men, who have not been afraid to, meet ridicule 
while obeying the dictates of conscience, and fulfilling a di 
to humanity ; that the many who have published their opinions, 
and the yet greater number who make their observations in 
silence, and content themselves with acknowledging their be- 
lief when questioned on the subject, have all either seen for 
themselves or actually produced the phenomenon of which 
they speak ; while among, the opposers of the science, not 
one can be found who has examined the subject in the only 
proper way, by experimenting for himself with scrupulous at- 
tention in exact accordance with the prescribed directions. 

The science, under Deleuze, gained converts from amo] 
the most; learned men in the Empire. Mr. Foissac, a distin- 
guished member of the medical faculty of Paris, readily em- 
braced the doctrine, and from being a skilful magnetizer him- 
self, wrote a memoir to the Academy of Medicine, in 1 325, 
inviting that learned society to make a new examination oi 
Animal Magnetism. His proposition was after tnucb dis< 



41 

sion adopted, and a commission composed of its members, 
Bourdois de la Motte, Fouquier, Gueneau de Mussy, Guer- 
sent, Itard, Leroux, Magendie, Marc, Thillaye, Husson, and 
Double, were appointed to conduct the experiments and re- 
port to the Academy. 

The commission spent five years with the most scrutinizing 
experiments, and finally, in 1831, reported unfavorable to 
the science, but acknowledged in the report, having seen ma- 
ny extraordinary and u unaccountable" facts, which w r as suf- 
ficient to show their prejudice and total incapability of judg- 
ing in a science in which the fundamental principles were 
above their comprehension. 

The respectability of the society which appointed the com- 
mission had some influence in retarding the rapid advances 
which the science was making ; but truth cannot be hid, and 
many Intelligent men soon saw the injustice occasioned by 
the report, and enlisted themselves in favor of Animal Mag- 
netism, w T hich is again on a triumphant march through all the 
civilized sections of the globe. 

The limits of this work will not admit the details connect- 
ed with the rise and progress of this science in Europe, or of 
giving the many thousand well attested facts which are record- ( 
ed in its favor on the pages of history, neither are they es- 
sential to my purpose; for when I treat of its progress in 
America, I will give the minutia of so many well authentica- 
ted facts, as shall leave no doubt on the minds of the most 
sceptical. 

Before entering on its rise in this country, I will give the 
manipulations, or mode of magnetizing, as practised by Mes- 
mer and Deleuze, with their followers, described by the- last 
named commission in their report to the sockty. 



42 

"The person," says the report, " who was to be magnetized was placed in the 
sitting position, on a convenient sofa, or upon a chair. The magnetizer, sitting 
on a little higher seat, before his face, and at about a foot distant, recollects 
himself a few moments, during which he holds the thumb of the patient, and 
remains in this position until he feels that the same degree of heat is established 
between the thumbs of that person and his own. Then he draws ofFhis hands in 
turning them outwards, and places them upon the shoulders for nearly one 
minute. Afterwards he carries them down slowly, by a sort of friction, very 
ii^ht along the arms, down to the extremities of the fingers, — he begins again 
the same motion five or six times ; it is what magnetizers call passes. Then 
he passes his hands over the head, keeps them there a few moments, brings 
them down in passing before the face, at the distance of one or two inches, to 
the epigastrium, where he stops again, either in bearing upon that region, or 
without touching it with his fingers. And he thus comes down slowly along the 
body, to the feet. These passes, or motions, are repeated during the greatest 
part of the course, arid when he-wishes to finish it, he carries them even be- 
yond the extremities of the hands and feet, in shaking his fingers at each time. 
Finally, he performs before the face and the chest some transversal motions, at 
the distance of three or four inches, in presenting his two hands, put near one 
another, and in removing them abruptly At other times, he brings near together 
the fingers "of each hand, and presenrsthem at three or four inches distant from 
the head or the stomach, in leaving them in that position for one or two min- 
utes; then, alternately drawing them of}', and bringing them near those par's, 
with' more or less quickness, he imitates the motion that we naturally execute 
when we wish to get rid of a liquid which met the extremity of our fingers. 

"These various modes were followed in all our experiments, without adhering 
to one rather than to the other,— often using but one, sometimes two ; and we 
never were directed in the choice that we made of them, by the idea that one 
mode would produce a quicker and better marked effect than another. The 
commission will not follow in the enumeration of the facts it has observed ; 
the order of the times when each of them was produced ; we thought it more 
convenient, and above all, more rational, to present them to you, classed ac- 
cording to the degree, more or less decided, of the magnetical action that it re- 
cognized in each of them." 

I will give a single experiment from the many reported by 

the commission, to prove the influence of the magnetic fluid. 

" The commission found among its members a gentleman who was willing to 
submit himself to the explosion of the somnambule ; it was Mr. Marc. Mile 
Celine was requested to carefully examine the state of health of our colleague : 
she applied her hand on his forehead, and the region of the heart.— and after 
three minute:, said that the blood was rushing to the head ; that Mr. Marc 
actually had a pain in the left side of that cavity ; that he often felt son 
pression, especially after his meals ; that he was often troubled with a slight 
couffh, that the lower part of the chest was filled up with blood; that B 
thing troubled the passage of the food; that the part called the region of the 
xiphoid (appendix,) had grown narrower; — that to cure Mr, Marc, : 
necessary to bleed him in an abundant manner; apply, on the inter 
the breast, poultices made with hemlock, and rub it with laudanum ; tu 
should drink lemonade, in which he should dissolve some n>im 
tie and often; finally, that he ought not to walk immediately ai 

"We longed to hear from Mr. Marc, whether he had really fell 901D- 

nambule had announced; he said that he had, ind< n hen 

he walked immediately after his meals; that he was of n troubl d with 
cough, and that before the experiment, he had a pain in the left side of his . 
but felt no difficulty in the passing down of his food.'' 



The present chapter, as I before remarked, sketches the era >: 
in which somnambulism and clairvoyance were discovered in 
persons under the force of the magnetic fluid, and therefore a 
description of those extraordinary powers would be desirable 
and appropriate in this place. 

Magnetic Somnambulism, called simply "somnambulism," 
when treating of this science, differs only from the common 
somnambulism, or sleep walking, by being the known effect of 
magnetic fluid directed by the manipulations which excites 
the phenomena ; while the common somnambulism or sleep- 
walking is produced by a natural sleep. Magnetic somnam- 
bulism, according to Beleuze,* is u an inexplicable change 
which occurs in the function of the nervous system^ in the play 
of the organs, and in the manner of receiving and transmit- 
ing sensation." The same author gives lucid directions for 
ascertaining when the patient is a somnambulist; the follow 
are his words: u If f your patient speaks, and to the ques- 
tion, Q Do you sleep? 9 answers, 'Yes;' he is a somnambulist." 
The same author continues, u when your somnambulist shall 
have given an affirmative answer to your first question, c Are ■ 
you asleepV you may address others to him. These ques- 
tions should be simple, clear, well adapted, and concise; . 
they should be made slowly, with an interval between them, 
leaving the somnambulist all the time he wishes to reflect on 
'them." 

' Deleuze was equally clear and explicit in all his writings 
on magnetism. He avoided, as I before remarked, all hy- 
pothesis and theory which enables his followers without much 
intellectual science to become parfaitement verse and hors 

• Vide translation by Mr. Hartshorn^ page 60. 
t Translation, page 63i : ' 



44 

de danger from the enemies of the science, who are ever try- 
ing to imdermine and raze to their own level the beautiful 
structure of Animal Magnetism, whose terrace and walls will 
yet form a temple in which the* goddess Panacea will ad- 
minister the antidote to mortality. 

Clairvoyance is literally clear sighteclness; it is a French 
word to express the faculty manifested by magnetic somnam*- 
bulists, of seeing with invisible eyes things at the most remote 
distance from the body, and hid by millions of opaque barri- 
ers from the sight cf persons awake. A somnambulic. 
Providence, for instance, would leave the body and tn 
(in spirit) in a few seconds to England, and after eyeing . 
particulars of Queen Victoria's household and dress. 
would relate the exact description audibly, to any person ma- 
king the inquiries of the lady. This property forms the n 
extraordinary feature in the science, and as Deleuze has given 
no theory of explanations, it remains unaccounted for lr 
his disciples in this couutry or elsewhere. 

It is in this particular phenomenon that I have been most 
successful in proving the correctness of my theory of 
imal Magnetism, with which, in the subsequent chapters, I will 
make clear as noon-day, all the previous mysteries connected 
with this wonderful science. 



CHAPTER IV. 

FIRST INTRODUCTION OF THE MAGNETIC SCIENCE IN 
AMERICA. 

Charles Poy en St. Sauveur lectures at Pawtucket — Triumph 
of the science under Poy en— new converts and disciples — - 
Evidences offered in support of the doctrine — its wonderful 
attributes — References to prove the truth of the science — 
Case of Clairvoyance — Case of paralyzing a limb— Effect 
of the will — Reading letters with invisible eyes. 

The first public lectures of importance on Animal Mag- 
netism delivered in the United States, were at Pawtucket, 
R. L, in the fall and winter of 1836, by Professor Charles 
Poyen St. Sauveur, a French gentleman of eminent* talents, 
and highly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his ac- 
quaintance. His principal magnetic somnambulist from that 
time to the present, is Miss Gleason of Pawtucket, a young 
lady of very respectable family, possessing an amiable dispo- 
sition, and highly cultivated mind.f They visited Boston and 
Lowel, where Mr. Poyen gave a series of practical lectures, 
and gained many converts to the doctrine. They are, at the 
time of writing this chapter, in Nantucket, where he is lec- 
turing to a very respectable class, many of whom have be- 
come firm believers in Animal Magnetism. 

* Professor Poyen is much slandered by his brother professors, who call him "an ignor- 
ant old Frenchman," and the author has heard also from the mouths of the magnetic- 
gentlemen, that "Professor Poyen has more conceit than brains; 5 ? such remarks come 
with a bad grace from coadjutors in a benevolent cause. 

t"Envy with malicious tongue" has not spared even the sanctity of sex in this 
science; a professor of the magnetic fluid told the author very privately, that "Miss 
Gleason was a low thing, which old Poyen found working in a cotton factory at Pawtuck. 
et." When will people learn to sneak respectfully of superior accomplishments? 



4G 



Mr. Poyen may justly be considered the father of the 
science in this country ; he translated the u report on Mag- 
netical Experiments" by the Royal Academy of Medicine, 
and by the many extraordinary facts produced in his instruct- 
ive lectures and experiments, he has not only gained hun- 
dreds of converts from among the most scientific and res- 
pectable families in the country, but he has likewise enabled 
many gentlemen by his instructions to become professional 
magnetizers, with even more powerful magnetical powers than 
himself; several of his disciples in Providence are acknowl- 
edged by all those capable of judging, to be stronger mag- 
netizers than Mr. Poyen, who has expressed the same opin- 
ion in relation to two or three of them. 

Poyen himself, and all the professors in this country, are 
perfect followers of Deleuze, who they take for a guide in all 
their manipulations and experiments, and who they quote as 
authority in all cases of technical dispute. Like Deleuze. 

y have no hypothesis or theory, and in exhibiting the phe- 
nomena of the science, they oiler it as a wonderful property 
in the physiological constitution of man, u exhibiting i 
brighter light than any ether the moral power and divine- 
origin of man, giving a new life to the religious principle* and 
furnishing unconquerable weapons to Christianity against ma- 
terialism^ which is already triumphant in some parts of the 
civilized world — opens a new and broad field to physchoUh 
gical speculations, that seemed nearly exhausted by the 
bars of the preceding ccnturicr — creates a iu > 
pathological investigation — settles therapeutic* 
hitherto unknown to the medical world — enlarges and 
so much the domain of physiology, that wt , the 

difications operated on it as 

C * Poyen'a introduction. 



47 

are a few of the attributes of this interesting science, which 
now claims for its supporters a large share of the intelligent 
men of the country. In the city of Providence alone, there 
are six professors of the science; they studied under profes- 
sor Poyen, and are now equally or better magnetizers than 
their instructor; each professor has one or more subjects, 
who are particularly under the influence of their magnetical 
power. Professor Wayland, president of Brown Univer- 
sity, has embraced the doctrine. Thomas C. Hartshorn, of 
Providence, a gentleman eminent in learning, is not only a 
firm disciple of Deleuze, but he has likewise translated and 
published Deleuze's u Practical Instructions in Animal Mag- 
netism," which the people of this country will highly appreci- 
ate. Mr. Hartshorn accompanies the translation with many 
remarkable facts produced by the professors of the magnet- 
ical science in Providence ; at the conclusion of the work 
he says : 

" The magnetizers in this city (Providence,) have been very accommodating to 
strangers, and men distinguished in the professions. Hundreds of them have 
had every facility of investigation, when they have appeared to be guided by a 
philosophical spirit, and not by vain curiosity. A list of a few whom the trans- 
lator recollects, is here presented, to enable their townsmen to find out from 
their own lips, ' whether these things be so.' A more extended one will be pre- 
pared at the end of the volume, which will be comprised in three parts, each 
with an appendix paged by itself. An index to the whole will be published in 
the last. A second edition of the volume, if called for, shall have a re-arrange 
ment of the matter in the notes. 

Joseph T. Allen, Norfolk, Vir.; Wm. Wadsworth, Philadelphia; Dr. Joshua 
B. Flint, Ephnam L. Frothingham, Wm. B. Bradford, Boston; Thomas B. 
Mitchell, James G. Whitaker, Mobile; W. P. Rathbone, Augusta, Geo.; Thos. 
Burgess, Jun. New Orleans; Professors Potter and Yates, Union College; Dr. 
Brownell, East-Hartford; Major Lomax, U. S. Army; Rev. James W. Cooke, 
Col. Stone, Abner Jones, New-York; Bishop Brownell, Hartford, Con.; Rev. 
Francis Wayland, Sen., Saratoga, N. Y. ; Professor D'Wolf, Castleton, Vt. 

Hunt, Esq., Rev. A. Kauffman, Charleston, S. O.j Rev. Dr. Brazer, Salem, 

Mass.; Rev. Henry Colman, Deerfield, Mass.; Rev. Mr. Elliott, St. Louis, Mo.; 
Rev. John A. Clarke, Philadelphia ; Rev. F. H. Hed^e, Bangor, Me.; Rev. 
Benj. Kent, Roxbury, Mass. ; John Taylor, Newark, N. J." 

The newspapers of the country have been nearly a year 
making known the extraordinary phenomenon produced by the 
magnetic fluid in Pawtucket and Providence. Mr, Harts- 



48 

horn, in his work, has collected several of these well authen- 
ticated facts. The following are from his book : 

"A child about nine years of age, attending the school of Miss Snow, in this 
city, (Providence,) was about a month ago, during an intermission, found to be 
asleep in the school-room. One of the young scholars came and gave infor- 
mation. Mis3 Snow and others tried to rouse her, but not succeeding, they 
became alarmed. A young medical student, a son of Commodore John Orde 
Creighton, being called in, soon perceived that she was in a magnetic sleep. A 
little girl about ten years old, immediately burst into tears. It was evident that 
she (Jane Ball,) had done it ; but she was so much terrified at the result of the 
mischief, that Miss Snow called her into another room, soothed her distress, 
and told her she need not be frightened ; she had only to go to Anne, and ask 
her to wake up. This was done. She merely spoke to her, and she came out 
of her magnetic state, with that smile upon her visage which is peculiar to those 
who are gently roused from it. 

The child bad been, once before, and only once, put into the somnambulic 
state. It was effected in about five minutes, by a lady who had never before 
tried her hand at this. business.* 

I learn these particulars from Mr. Benjamin Cozzens, and Mr. Joseph 
Balch, Jr. 

Dr. *** of this city, informed me that one of his daughters, seven years of 
a^e, put her little sister, between two and three years of age, into a deep mag- 
neticsleep, so that her mother could not rouseher. Sometime afterwards she 
was very eager to experience the effect again, and cried because she was not 
permitted to be magnetized. 

An instance occurred of one boy's putting another into the same state, 
which was related to me by an eyewitness of the fact. It took place in This 
ciiy.' ; 

A very extraordinary case of clairvoyance was evinced by 
Miss Parker, who is a magnetic subject of Dr. Brownell, a 
very eminent physician, and professor of animal magnetism at 
Providence; the description of this case has appeared in many 
of the newspapers, within the past three months, and excited 
much interest ; the particulars below are furnished by Dr. 
Brownell to Mr. Hartshorn. 

"The patient lived more than a quarter of a mile from my house. I requested 
a somnambulist, then at my house, to see if she could find such a man, at the 

* M An instance of the power of magnetizing without manipulation, ami causing sleep 
at the first trial, is afforded in the case of a woman, who. being in a nervous stale, 
put to sleep for thefhst time by her husband, in rhe course of fifteen m i n utes, without 
her knowing any thing of his intention ; she sitting at one part of the room, and he in 
another. When she was asleep, he went into an ad jo: nine room out ofhercKr 
and taking down a book, began to read it. After being sometime in thi 
she was awakened. She related correctly what he had done, and t\ .sual 

proofs of clairvoyance. The gentleman is a resident of this city, a friend of mim 
whose veracitv I can depend." 

c3 



49 



same time pointing out to her the situation of the house, which was not in 
sight from the room where we continued all the time. She saw him. On be- 
ing asked in what room, she replied, in the third room back from the street. 
She was then requested to describe the situation of the furniture in it, in order 
to discover whether she had got into the right place, and whether her clairvoy- 
ance might be trusted to at that time ; she described it ve.*y exactly. 

I then told her my patient had been sick a long time, and desired her to ex- 
amine him and tell what the disease was. 

She said, 'He looks so bad, I do not like to do it.' I replied, 'Never mind 
that ; it looks bad to you, because you have not been accustomed to looking 
at the interior of a body.' 

As I supposed him to be affected with a diseased liver, and with indigestion 
arising from a diseased state of the stomach, I asked her to look at the stomach 
to see if that was diseased; she answered, 'No.' 
Is the liver diseased 1 ' No.' 

Well, examine the whole intestinal canal, and see if there is any disease 
there. 'I do not see any, said she. 
Examine the kidneys. ' Nothing is the matter with them.' 
Not knowing what other part to call her attention to, I requested her to look 
at every part of him. 
After some little time, she says, ' His spleen is swelled ; ids enlarged.' 
His spleen ! said I ; when we speak of a person who is spleeny, we suppose 
he has an imaginary complaint. What do you mean ? 
She said, ' The part called the spleen, is enlarged. 5 
How do you know it is enlarged? 
'It is a great deal larger than yours.' 
Do you see mine ? ' Yes.' 
How large is his spleen ? 

'It is,a great deal longer and thicker than your hand.' 

I then asked her to put her hand where the spleen is situated. She imme- 
diately placed her hand over the region of the spleen. 

I then asked her what the shape of the stomach was : she replied that it was 
like a flower in the garden. I was not acquainted with that flower, and do not 
recollect the name she gave to it. 

I then requested her to recollect all about this, saying I wished to talk with 
her about it when she awoke. 

After she came out of the somnambulic state, she was asked whether she 
remembered having examined the sick person. She remembered it. 

What part did you tell me was diseased? After a little consideration, she 
replied, 'I believe I told yon the spleen is enlarged.' 
How came you to call it the spleen ? 
'I do not know.' 

Did you ever hear any description of the internal organs, or see any plates 
of thorn? ' No. ? 
Should you know the plate representing the stomach, if you were to see it? 
' I think I should if it looked like it.' 

I will go into the library and bring out some plates, to see whether you know 
the in lorn a 1 organs. 

While I was gone into the library, she said to a lady present, 'Every once 
in a while I saw fluids pass from his stomach into his bowels. 5 

On returning with the volume of plates, in order to ascertain whether she 
really distinguished the different organs, I showed her a plate somewhat resem- 
bling the stomach, and asked her if that was what she saw for the stomach? 
She said, 'No.' Turning to several plates in succession, she declared that 
neither of them resembled the stomach. 

Then turning to the true plate, as if accidentally, while throwing open the 
leaves, intending to pass it by unless she noticed it, she immediately cried out, 
'That's it. that's what I saw for the stomach.' 



50 

I then conversed with her in relation to the other vise ra ; and she gave a very 
correct description of them, as she had done in her sleep. I asked her if she 
had conversed upon the subject, or seen any plates of the internal organs. She 
declared she never had. 

Seven days after this, the patient was taken more seriously ill, and died on 
Saturday, the third day following. 

On Monday, a post-mortem examination took place; previous to which I 
invited all the physicians whom I could find in the city. 

Eighteen persons were present, of whom sixteen were physicians. 

I then stated all the particulars of the examination by the somnambulic 
patient; and requested the physicians to examine the body to see it they 
could discover the diseased spleen from external examination. They, with 
one voice, declared they could not. 

I then opened the body, and, to the utter astonishment of the physicians 
present, found the spleen so enlarged as to weigh fifty -seven ounces. Its usual 
weight is from four to six ounces. 

No other disease was perceptible, except a general inflammation, which no 
doubt came on about three days before his death." 

The magnetizers have likewise the power of paralyzing 
the limbs or any part of the patient, by directing the fluid 
through that particular part alone. The Rev. Daniel Greene, 
of Pawtucket, a professor of the science, possesses that 
power in a very extraordinary degree. Mr. Thomas H. 
Webb, editor of the Providence Journal, has made known a 
very extraordinary case of that kind, which he witnessed in a 
young lady at Pawtucket, who was magnetized by Mr. Greene. 
Another interesting phenomenon produced by the magnetic 
fluid, is the power of impressing the somnambulist's mind 
with the will of the magnetizer ; they can, for instance, will 
a knife, or pen, to be a water-melon, and the somnambulists 
will take it, put it to their mouths, and express their like, or 
dislike of the taste ; I have witnessed many interesl 
periments of this kind, which w T ill be related in the sub 
quent chapters. 

Two very extraordinary cases of clairvoyance are related 
by Col. Stone, in the N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, of the 
4th Sept.; the Col. was previously an unbeliever in the 
science, and how far he is become a convert to the faith) I 
leave the reader to judge, from reading the following narrat 
from his pen : 



51 

"Animal Magnetism, — We have had our time and times of laughing at animal 
magnetism. We shall laugh at it no more. There is something awfully mys- 
terious in the principle, beyond the power of man to fathom or explain. Being 
in Providence on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the 26th, 27th, and 28th of 
August, an opportunity was afforded us of seeing and taking part in a series of 
experiments, with a young blind lady, while under the magnetic influence, the 
results of which were not only marvellous in our eyes, but absolutely astound- 
ing. The exhibition was not public, and the parties were all people of the first 
respectability, professional and otherwise. Having heard much upon the sub- 
ject, and disbelieved all, the experiments were made before a private circle of 
ladies and gentlemen, at our own urgent solicitation. 

We have written a narrative of the circumstances, comprising some fifty or 
sixty pages of foolscap ; and we venture to say, that nothing hitherto published 
upon that subject, is so wonderful by far, as the facts of which we were wit- 
ness — all of which we saw and part of which we were. We shall publish our 
narrative, on taking it to Providence for examination, provided we can obtain 
permission of the parties— who have hitherto avoided publications, or public 
exhibitions. 

One surprising incident we will mention. On Sunday, while we were in 
Providence, a small package was received from Mr. Stephen Covill, of Troy, 
containing, as he wrote to his friend, a note, which he wished Miss B. to read* 
while under the magnetic influence, without breaking the seal, if she could. 
Mr. C. had been induced to try this experiment, in consequence of having 
heard of extraordinary performances of this kind— which, of course, he doubted. 
The package, or letter, was evidently composed of several envelopes. The 
outer one was composed of thick blue paper. On Sunday evening, Miss B., 
who, it must be borne in mind, when awake, is blind, was put into a magnetic 
slumber, and the letter given to her with instructions to read it. She said she 
would take it to bed with her, and read it before morning. On Monday morn- 
ing, she gave the reading as follows : — 

* No other than the eye of Omnipotence can read this, in this 
envelope nient.— 1837.' 

We made a memorandum of this reading, and examined the package con- 
taining, as she said, the sentence. She said, then, on Monday morning, that 
there were one or two words between the word 'envelopement' and the date, 
as we understood her, which she could not make out. We examined the seal 
with the closest scrutiny. The seal of Mr. Covill was unbroken, and to turn 
the letter, or to read it without opening, with human eyes, was impossible. 

After our return to the city, viz. on Wednesday last, we addressed a letter 
to Mr. Covill, to ascertain whether the reading of the blind somnambulist was 
correct. The following is his reply : — 

Troy, Sept. I, 1837. 

Dear Sir— Your' s of yesterday I received by this morning's mail, and as to 
your inquiry relative to the package submitted to Miss B. while under the mag- 
netic influence, I have to say, the package came to hand yesterday. The 
sentence had been written by a friend, and sealed by him at my request, and in 
such a manner as was supposed could not have been read by any human de- 
vice, without breaking the seal. We think the seals have not been broken 
until returned. The sentence as read by Miss B. is : — l No other than the eye 
of Omnipotence can read this, in this envelopement— 1837.' And as written in 
the oirginal, on a card, and another card placed on the face of the writing, and 
enclosed in a thick blue paper envelope, was : 'No other than the eye of Omnipo- 
tence can read this sentence^ in this envelope.^ Troy, N. York, August, 1837.' 

Respectfully, yours, &c. 

STEPHEN COVILL. 
P. S. — We have just received a note from Providence, with permission to> 
publish our own narrative. But as it is very long, and equally complex, and 



52 

wonderful, we shall first take it to Providence, for the examination of those 
who were present on the occasion, our aim being scrupulous exactness. Wc 
also left a note for the blind lady to read, sealed with seven seals. We have 
received it this morning, the seals unbroken, with the answer written on the 
outside. This answer is correct, as far as it goes. We were in great haste at 
the time of preparing the note, and having the odd title of a queer old book in 
our pocket, printed in small Italic letter, we wrote a part of the note with a 
pencil, and stuck on two and a half lines of the small Italic printing, with a 
wafer. The note, written and printed, as we left it, was in these words : — 

' The following is the title, equally quaint and amusing, of a book which was 
published in England, in the time of Oliver Cromwell .-.—Eggs of Charity 
layed by the Chickens of the Covenant, and boiled by the waters of Divine love. 
r Vake ye and cat.'' 

The following is the answer, sent by Miss B through an intimate 

friend : — 

' The following is a title, equally amazing (or amusing) and quaint, of a 
book published in England in the time of Oliver Cromwell : — ' 

'Eggs of Charity—' 

'Miss B. does not know whether the word is amazing or amusing. 
Something is written after the 'eggs of charity,' which she cannot make 
out.' 

Thus much for the present. We make no comments. What we know to 
be true, we fear not to declare. Facts sustained by the evidence of our own 
senses, we trust we ever shall have the boldness to publish. In regard to our 
narration, it is alike wonderful and inexplicable: As Paulding's black witch 
in Koningsmarke, says — ' I've seenwhat Vxeseen — I know what I know. ' " 

Many such facts have been witnessed in this country with- 
in the past year, and could be attested by the most respecta- 
ble citizens, who were eye witnesses of the facts, and are 
men of veracity, who are eminent in learning, in science, and 
in piety. But I will not enlarge on the sphere of marvellous 
phenomena ; enough, I trust, has been given to show the deep 
root which the science of Animal Magnetism has struck in the 
soil, to be nourished by the moist breath of credulity, until its 
overshadowing branches shall smother the weak plant of rea- 
son, which truth fails to sustain when unaided by light. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE AUTHOR'S FIRST EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNET- 
ISM IN THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 

Author's opinion of the science — a branch of Electricity — 
Introduction to professor Andros — his history — Somnam- 
bulic sleep — extraordinary cases of Clairvoyance — J\lrs. 
Andros, her history — first experiment in New-York — ■ 
wonderful effects on the brain of the Author — falls in a 
magnetic sleep — Reverie — Poetically inspired — Solilo- 
quy — resolves on mighty deeds. 

Before disclosing the theory which is to initiate the rea- 
der into the arcana of Animal Magnetism, I will first relate the 
circumstances that led to its discovery, and likewise give the 
previously conceived opinions and expressions in regard to 
this science, before I had an occular demonstration of its ef- 
fects on the physical and physiological constitution of man. 
In the narration, I will endeavor to be a faithful historian, 
and present the facts in the order in which they occurred. 

In the discussion of Animal Magnetism with a number of 
gentlemen the past summer, I stated that I had never seen an 
experiment; but from what I could learn of the manipulations 
from the works published on the subject, and description 
given by those wiio had witnessed the effects produced by 
them, I considered it a mere branch of electricity, aided 
by terror on the brain, producing a mere drowsiness without 
somnambulism or clairvoyance, and the whole too insignificant 
to take a rank as a new science, under the appellation of Ani- 
mal Magnetism. 

I explained how electricity could be collected from the at- 
mosphere by the hairs and clothes of one person and trans- 



54 

mitted to another person less hairy, (or whose clothing was 
not so good a conductor of the fluid) by the manipulations 
used in producing magnetic sleep. 

It is a known fact, that gradual and moderate port'ons of 
electricity, transmitted from the common electric machine to 
a person, will cause a drowsiness for a short time ; and I 
explanation satisfied all present except one gentleman, (pro- 
fessor Arlington,) who said he had seen repeated experiments 
in Animal Magnetism, in which the somnambulist was so per- 
fectly asleep, that the dismemberment of a limb cculd 
awake her ; and he had known them to go (in spirit) remote- 
distances, and relate the accurate description of things, whi 
when awake, they had no conception of. This gentleman 
further stated, thathe had produced the phenomena a number 
of times in Boston, in presence cf many scientific physici. 
whom he convinced of the reality of the sleep. He is the 
author of a series of articles in favor of Animal Magneth 
which recently appeared in the N. Y. Herald, and like 
the professors of the science, he asserts the phenomena to 
facts, yet says they cannot be accounted for by any known 
laws of the universe. 

Feeling very little disposition, at that time, to argue against 
such absurd doctrines, I proposed to give him or any pro 
sor of the art, five hundred dollars,. if they would put me to 
sleep with the magnetic fluid, or put any other person 
so that I could not awake them; or the same sum if any som- 
nambulist would tell the contents of a trunk in my poss 
He declined, in consequence, as he said, of not wis 
take my money, but promised to show me an experinn 
which he has thus far failed to accomplish. 

Mr. James W. Hale, of the News Room, v. :u at 



55 

this conversation, and meeting him a short time afterwards, 
he told me, that at his boarding-house, (Varick House, Broad- 
way,) there were many gentlemen from Providence, firm 
believers in Animal Magnetism, and who related so many ex- 
traordinary stories in relation to facts produced by the mag- 
netic fluid, that he was induced to mention my conversation 
with professor Arlington, and he thought they would take up 
my offer of five hundred dollars, to produce the phenomena 
of magnetic somnambulism. The same week, I again met 
Mr. Hale, who told me that Mr. William Andros, of Pro- 
vidence, a professor of the science of Animal Magnetism, had 
arrived w T ith his lady, at the Varick House, with the avowed 
purpose of lecturing on the science, to the citizens of New- 
York. That out of nearly one hundred visitors at the house, 
there was but two (himself and Mr. Whitlaw) who were un- 
believers, and dared to oppose the arguments of the others in 
favor of the science — that he had made up his mind from my 
expressed opinion, that there w r as nothing in the science wor- 
thy of credit, and yet from hearing so many intelligent men 
from Providence say they had seen and believed it, he be- 
gan to doubt his previously conceived opinion, and feared I 
might be mistaken, and would lose the money if offered to 
Mr. Andros. I assured him that my opinion was founded on 
a careful investigation of the known laws of Nature, and that 
if I should be mistaken in my opinion, I would pay the five 
hundred dollars as freely as .1 would pay for a dinner, be- 
cause they would receive the money only by producing a 
phenomenon, which I suppose could not exist according 
to the known laws of Nature, and which, if it did exist, it 
was now time for me to know it, and such fact would be well 
worth five hundred dollars, as additional information to my 
small amount of knowledge. 



56 

It may be well here to give a synopsis of the magnetic 
fame of Mr. and Mrs. Andros. Mr. Andros was born at 
Plainfield, Conn., 1806. He has resided some years in 
Providence, where he kept an extensive flour store, and is 
now a manufacturer of various kinds of varnish ; he is highly 
respected, and possesses a good education, having taught a 
district school in Rhode Island for several years previous to 
commencing mercantile business in Providence. Mr. An- 
dros was an unbeliever in the science, even after the first ex- 
periment, which he witnessed at Pawtucket, by professor 
Poyen and Miss Gleason ; after the second experiment, 
which he witnessed at the same place, he became a convert 
and firm believer in the doctrine of Animal Magnetism. From 
his own description, he could think of nothing else, and de- 
sired to talk of nothing else, from being so completely capti- 
vated by the strange supernatural facts which he witnessed in 
the public lectures of Poyen and Miss Gleason. Mr. Andros 
was naturally fond of company, and in his usual afternoon 
ride in his chaise, he preferred some one to accompany him, 
but now he had no desire for company, he preferred being 
alone, and rode out alone to philosophize on this wonderful 
science. New converts were daily increasing the excite- 
ment, and among the new professors was Mr. Americus Potter, 
a highly respectable .manufacturing jeweller of Providence, 
who from attending Poyen 's lectures, became infatuated, and 
trying the power, which Poyen says every person contains 
within himself, he succeeded in magnetizing one or two per- 
sons in Providence. Professor Potter next essayed, by re- 
quest of Mr. Andros, to magnetize his lady, (Mrs. Amelia An- 
dros,) and succeeded, after the fifth trial, to place her in a pro- 
found magnetic sleep. Mr. Andros then concluded he could do 



57 

it likewise, and at the second trial, succeeded in producing 
somnambulism in Mrs. Andros, and kept her asleep half an 
hour ; he awoke her and tried it again ; she was perfectly 
under the control of his magnetic power ; from this time, he 
neglected his business to give private experiments to many 
gentlemen, who came to see from a great distance, attracted 
by the magnetic fame of Mrs. Andros, who is a highly ac- 
complished lady, of a most respectable family. She is the 
daughter of Col. George R. A. Oiney, owner and conductor 
of a very extensive cotton manufactory at Dighton, Massa- 
chusetts. Judge Durfee, attracted by the fame of Mrs. A., 
came from Newport to see her. While in magnetic sleep, 
Judge Durfee was put in magnetic communication, and ask- 
ed many questions about Newport, which she answered cor- 
rectly, to the astonishment of all present. He asked her the 
time by the court-house clock, at Newport, (it was then nine 
in the evening,) she answered "the clock don't go." Are 
you sure ? u Yes." How do the hands stand ? "Half 
past six." The clock had been taken down the day previ- 
ous, and the hands left at half past six. This made converts 
of Judge Durfee and all present, w T ho were previously unbe- 
lievers. 

In May or June last, Capt. Childs, of steam-boat Narra- 
gansett, on going to Boston with his family, told Mr. Andros 
he would stop at the American Hotel, in Hanover street, and 
at nine o'clock in the evening, desired Mr. Andros would ask 
Mrs. Andros in magnetic sleep, about his family in Boston. 
She was put asleep about ten, and went (inspirit) to Boston, 
described Capt. Childs in a parlor, with three gentlemen, and 
Mrs. Childs in the second story of another house, trying to 
put her baby to sleep. From the description of the build- 



53 

ing, the company judged Mrs. C. in the New England Cof- 
fee House. On the return of Capt. Childs, he confirmed 
all the important particulars described by her. He had been 
unable to procure lodgings at the American House, and there- 
fore went to the New England Coffee House ; he himself, 
at about ten, was in the parlor of another house with three 
gentlemen. 

At another time, Capt. Childs sent her (in spirit) to the 
Transportation Company Ware House, in New York, which 
she described quite to his satisfaction. 

At another time, Mr. Thomas C. Hartshorn, (author 
the translation of Deleuze's practical instructions,) was put in 
magnetic communication with Mrs. Andros ; he sent her (in 
spirit) to the house of Nathan Hastings, at Cincinnati. She 
described the house, furniture, &c, and said one young lady 
was not well ; u something like froth is on her liver ; it does 
not look like the healthy liver of Mr, Hartshorn." cc Shall 
I scrape it off ?" u JVo, that ivould kill her, but I think 
an emetic ivould be good for her, and I think Animal M 
netism would help her." The young lady, Miss Hast* 
is known to have a consumption, and Mr. Hartshorn has 
written to Cincinnati, to ascertain from Mr. Hastings how 
far the other particulars are .correct, and unquestionably 
answer from Mr. Hastings will confirm all the other particu- 
lars. As many as thirty gentlemen were in the roc; 
time of this experiment, among whom was William V» 
worth, Esq., firm of Charles P. Massey & Co., ( 
sion Merchants, of 27 South wharf, Philadelphia. Mr. \Y . 
was put in magnetic communication, and said, Cw on 
turn from Cincinnati, stop at my house, No. 
Square, Philadelphia ;" she did so, and describe 



59 

furniture, &c. He then said u do you see a dog ?" " Yes, 
I have just passed a black dog in the entry." u Has he any- 
white about him ?" u Yes, some ivhite under the neck and 
on the side, and a rope around his neck." Mr. Wadsworth 
said that the answers were remarkably correct : he knew 
nothing about the rope on the neck of the dog, but as he had 
been absent some days, it was probable that hehad been tied to 
escape the vengeance of the city law, and perhaps broke 
loose. Mr. Andros next presented her many bank bills ; 
she told most of them correctly, by placing them to the epi- 
gastrium, where she sees with the invisible eyes. Mr. A. 
next put into her hands a letter, which Mr. Wadsworth gave 
him — she said u this is not a bank note." " What is it 
then ?" u A letter." u Can you read the superscription?" 
c c Yes, it is directed to Mr. Wm. Wadsworth, Boston, and it 
is from a lady." " What lady ?" " / think it is from the 
lady I have just seen in Philadelphia." " Why do you 
think so ?" u Because it looks like her." From the ex- 
periments of that evening, most of the gentlemen present 
became converts. 

Mr. George Smith, engraver, firm of Terrey, Pelton & 
Co., Boston, was, at another time, put in magnetic commu- 
nication with Mrs. Andros, who went (in spirit) to his house, 
and described the furniture quite to his satisfaction. 

At another time, Mr. John Hartshorn (brother of Thomas 
C. Hartshorn,) merchant, of Boston, was put in magnetic 
communication with Mrs. Andros, who described his furni- 
ture, house, &c, to his entire satisfaction. 

Professor Ware, of Cambridge College, was put in mag- 
netic communication, and sent her (in spirit) to the College, 
which she described correctly and satisfactorily. Professor 



CO 

Ware remarked, that he had seen Poyen and Miss Gleason, 
who was "nothing compared with Mrs. Andros." 

Mr. Gladding, merchant, of Providence, at another time, 
sent her (in spirit) to the Varick House, New York, from 
which house he had just returned, and asked her to describe 
it, which she did to his satisfaction. She said there were 
two musical instruments in the parlor, " and there is a beau* 
tiful picture in the parlor near the piano." " Does it lay 
on the floor, or hang up?" " Neither, it stands on the 
floor and is uery large." It is a fact, that a very large por- 
trait of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, had been received that 
morning, and was standing on the floor. 

Mr. Andros is acknowledged to have very great magnetic 
power ; he, at one time, caused magnetic sleep in Miss Amy 
Hauze, aged 17, daughter of Gen. Joseph Hawse, of Provi- 
dence ; this sleep lasted three fourths of an hour ; it occur- 
red at Gen. Hawse's, before a large company, none of whom 
could wake her. He likewise caused partial sleep in Miss 
Sarah Hawse, so that she could not open her eyes ; also in 
Miss Elizabeth Adams, aged 17 years, of Warwick, so that 
she could not open her eyes or talk ; also in Miss Spaulding 
of Providence, formerly of Plainfield, Conn. The effects in 
this case were much the same as those exhibited by Miss 
Adams ; he also put in magnetic sleep, Mrs. Harris, of 
Smithfield. Mrs. H. is also a daughter of Gen. Hawse, and 
the experiment was at his house. Mr. Andros at first de- 
clined, on account of having a severe headache, saving if lie 
succeeded, Mrs. Harris would be left with a headache : he 
succeeded, kept her asleep half an hour, and she awoke with 
the severest headache she ever experienced. 

The foregoing history of Professor Andros, is from note- 



61 

of conversation held with that gentleman, whose well known 
veracity* precludes possibility of doubt, and it is but a small 
part of what could be given in support of his magnetical pow- 
ers. I have heard many Providence gentlemen, among whom 
are two eminent professors of magnetic science, declare Mrs. 
Andros to be the best magnetic somnambulist in this country. 
Mr. Andros, on coming to New York, brought letters of in- 
troduction and recommendation from Professor Brownell, 
M. D., Thos. C. Hartshorn, professor of languages, Thos. 
Doyle and Randall H. Greene, of Providence^ also from 
Abner Jones, of New York, and John Hartshorn, of Bos- 
ton. From my subsequent knowledge, derived from exper- 
iments with the various somnambulists, I do not hesitate to 
say, that Mrs. Andros is the best of all the magnetic som- 
nambulists in this country. 

I will now resume the history of my own personal expe- 
rience. 

On Sunday, 13th August, Mr. Hale called at my house ; 
said the many advocates of Animal Magnetism had induced 
him to say perhaps too much against it; that he had told them 
it was a deception, and that the refusal to accept of my offer 
was sufficient proof against the sincerity of its professors ; 
and, continued he, u in the overwrought excitement, I re- 
peated your offer to make them a present of five hundred 
dollars, if they would produce the facts which you required 
of Mr. Arlington ; at which, Mr. John C. Dodge, of Dodge- 
ville, R. I. drew from his pocket book one hundred dollars 

* Professor Andros, like all men of great talents, floes not escape his share of scandal. 
More than one of his brother professors have told me privately that he had the phreno- 
logical b U rnp denominated " stretching of things." From my own personal observa- 
tion, lam satisfied that the said bump is not more strongly developed in Mr. Andros 
than in some of the other professors of the magnetical science. 



62 

and offered it as a bet against an equal sum, to be deposited 
by you, that Mr. Andros could put Mrs. A. so perfectly 
asleep by the magnetic fluid, that no means (which a gentle- 
man would not deem disgraceful) could awake her ;" and, 
continued Mr. Hale, in his narration to me, u I fear your 
unbelief may be founded in error, for you will be satisfied 
when you see Mr. Andros that he is sincere in his belief, and 
too honest and open in his character to practise deception; 
and many of the boarders at the house are gentlemen well 
known for veracity, who would not be guilty of any decep- 
tion, and yet say they have seen repeated experiments at 
Providence, in which the somnambulists have told the most 
wonderful facts, which could not have been known to any in 
the room." 

I called the following day, (Monday,) at the Varick 
House, where I saw Mr. Dodge, and gave one hundred 
dollars to meet the bet made by Mr. Hale. Mr. Dodge 
said he was sure of winning the money, but did not offer the 
bet with a desire of gain. He said, he was firmly convinced 
of the reality of Animal Magnetism, and no person on earth 
could convince him to the contrary. He added, that he 
himself had caused the magnetic sleep in his wife's sister, a 
young lady at his house ; it occurred in presence of a h 
party at his house, and was so unexpected to him as to fright- 
en himself and others at the effect produced. The circum- 
stances in relation to the case were these : 

u A professor of the science was present, and tried to i 
netize the young lady, when he, in a joke, said \ Eliza, let 
me try, I think that I can put you asleep ;' he comment 
by using the usual manipulations, and she fell into a m 
sleep, from which she could not be roused by strong 

D 



63 

horn, or pinching, shaking, or tickling with a feather ;"and, 
continued he, u after witnessing such facts with my own eyes, 
you nor any other person can persuade me that Mr. Andros 
(who is acknowledged to be the best magnetizer in Provi- 
dence,) cannot produce a magnetic sleep, from which you 
cannot arouse the sleeper." 

Mr. Dodge is a very extensive manufacturer of domestic 
dry goods, in Dodgeville ; he is of undoubted veracity, and 
by all accounts from others, and from my own observations, 
possesses a good share of good sound sense on all subjects? 
except the magnetic science. 

There was present, Mr. Peter F. Ewer, a highly respect- 
able shipping merchant, of Nantucket ; he, I learned, was 
ready to bet thousands of dollars that Mr. Andros could pro- 
duce all that was asserted of the magnetic fluid. 

Mrs. Andros complained of ill health, in consequence of 
sea-sickness on the voyage from Providence, and therefore 
we found some difficulty in arranging a time for the experi- 
ment ; two days elapsed, when it was decided to choose an 
umpire, who might decide when she should be in suitable 
health for the trial. The two last named gentlemen and my- 
self called on Dr. Cheesman, who consented to serve as 
umpire. On returning to the hotel, a new difficulty arose, in 
regard to what should be considered a ivake up. Mr. Dodge 
asked, if the moving of the eyelids from a noise made with 
the hands would be considered waking up. I told him most 
assuredly, I would consider it so, because the magnetic pro- 
fessors asserted that dismemberment of a limb would not be 
felt by the patient ; and therefore, if a sudden noise made by 
the hands should cause her to move the eyelids or head, it 
ought to be considered a wake up, as that was all that could 



64 

be produced in a person who feigned sleep ; but that I would 
waive my opinion on that point, and leave it entirely with 
the umpire to say if she was awake. He said he would not 
consider that a wake up, and was fearful that Dr. Cheesman 
might be prejudiced against the science, and decide her to be 
awake from such a trifling motion of the eye, which would 
not alter his opinion of the sleep ; and in case of such a de- 
cision, it would be prejudicial to Mr. Andros, who came to 
convince the New Yorkers of the reality of this science by 
public lectures, that might be profitable to him. Mr. Dodge 
started another objection ; he wished to know if I was pre- 
pared to make the present of five hundred dollars in case she 
could not be waked up. I told him no, and for the simple 
reason, that the preliminaries of the experiment were not 
what I required to merit the five hundred dollars. First, he 
would allow only thirty minutes to wake her up, whereas 
I required at least one hour, to try some experiments, which 
required that time to perform; and secondly, he would allow 
only Mr. Hale, and not me, to try the experiment of waking; 
and as he would not perform any of the things required of 
Mr. Arlington, I did not feel in honor bound to do any thing 
more than comply with the bet made between him and Mr. 
Hale. Mr. Dodge said, u under such circumstances, he 
felt reluctant to have Mr. Andros perform the experiment, 
as he had told him he w T as to receive five hundred dollars, as 
a gratuity, in case of success." 1 then gave him liberty to 
withdraw his stakes, provided he would shew me a private 
experiment, in which I would not try to awake her, and I 
promised if I was convinced of the reality of the deep, to 
use ray influence in recommending Mr. Andros to the pub- 
lic. This was acceded to, the bet was withdrawn, and being 

d2 



65 

now at the Varick House, we repaired to a private parlor, 
for a private experiment in Animal Magnetism. There were 
present, John^C. Dodge, of Dodgeville, Peter F. Ewer, of 
Nantucket, James W. Hale, of New York, Mr. and Mrs. 
Andros, and myself. 

Mrs. Andros was seated in a rocking chair, and Mr. An- 
dros in a chair about eight feet from her, commenced the 
process of magnetizing. He remarked, what I had before 
understood, that after two or three trials, it was not necessary 
to use the manipulations with the same patient ; the will alone, 
aided by k steady look of the eye, was sufficient to produce 
the magnetic sleep. He fixed his eyes steadily on hers, and 
with much evident straining of his eye-bails, she fell into a 
magnetic sleep in about two minutes. Her eyes were closed, 
and being naturally of a sallow complexion, she had a death- 
like appearance. He approached her, extended his hand and 
hers raised to meet it ; he spoke to her, asked if she was 
easy ? u Fes." Are you perfectly asleep ? u Fes." I 
spoke to her ; she gave no answer. Mr. Andros remarked, 
she cannot hear any one unless in magnetic' communication, 
and could not even hear a gun if fired by her ear. She com- 
plained that the light hurt her eyes. Mr. Andros remarked, 
it was usual for her to make such complaints, and folded a 
dark handkerchief, which he tied over her eyes. Mr. Ewer 
said, u see if you can wake her up." I declined, by say- 
ing, as the bet was withdrawn, and the experiment private > 
I was not prepared for such an experiment at the present., 
would rather see an experiment of her clairvoyant powers; 
Mr. Andros remarked, " that he could put her in magnetic 
communicaton with any person, by the will alone, when she 
could hear all words such person addressed to her," and he 



66 

added, u if } T ou will be seated next to her, I will put her in 
magnetic communication with you." I took the seat, when 
he said to her, u Amelia, hear what Mr. Durant says to you, 
will you ?" She answered u J/es," and extended the right 
hand to me. She answered several questions which I ad- 
dressed to her, the same as a person awake. I asked her if 
she would go to my house in Jersey City, and how she would 
go there ? She nodded assent, and said " I will fly there." 
Well, let us fly there, and when you reach the house let me 
know? In a few seconds, she said, u I am there now." 
well, go in the back parlor and tell me what you see ? She 
described a centre table, carpet, chairs, &c. Well, go up 
stairs and tell me what you see there ? She described 
ct Something strange, it looks like silk, fyc." Very cor- 
rect, you see very well. I asked, if she recollected 
when awake, what she saw in her sleep. Mr. Andres said 
she could recollect any thing when told to do so, and not oth- 
erwise. He then by my request, told her to recollect what 
she saw in that room. I now said, we will fly back again ; 
tell me when you are at the Varick House '? In a few se- 
conds she said, u I am here." I gave her several things, to 
tell what they were. She took them in her hands, placed 
them against the epigastrium, and told correctly the names of 
things, and read correctly sentences wrote with a pencil on pa- 
per. Several changes in the situation of those present, had 
been made since she was blindfolded ; Mr. Andros was now- 
setting on the sofa. I asked her who was on the sofa. 
replied. Mr. Ewer. This was the first failure, and Mr. 
Dodge remarked, she is not well, and I exp 
fail in some things. Mr. Hale took from his pocket tbc 
scribed side of a letter, so much worn as to he separated trom 



67 

the rest of the sheet. I folded another handkerchief and 
held it below her nose close to the mouth, gave the paper in- 
to her hands, and asked her to read it. She felt it ; turned 
it over several times, and said u it is a bank note ; I cannot 
see very plain ; I think it is a five dollar note." Mr. An- 
dros remarked, " she does fail sometimes, particularly if she 
is not well, and I was afraid her ill health would cause her to 
fail in many things." Mr. Andros was again alone on the 
sofa. I said, tell me who is on the sofa now ? She replied, 
" JVLr. Dodge." Here several remarks were made about her 
ill health, and she complained of the heat, and stroked her 
forehead with her hands. Mr. Hale, I think, was next pla- 
ced in magnetic communication with her, and she told correct- 
ly every thing given her, and likewise went with him (inspir- 
it,) to a distant house, and told tolerably correct the situation, 
furniture, &c. Mr. Ewer said, " are you not satisfied now, 
Mr. Durant ?" I replied, u yes. The sleep produced by 
the fluid, is much more profound than I supposed could be 
produced ; but I am still convinced, I can wake her up, and 
will to-morrow explain to you how it can be done without 
touching her ; and will at the same time explain to you the 
cause of her failing to answer correctly some of the ques- 
tions' asked her ; it was not in consequence of ill health, but 
was caused by impressions in my mind, conveyed to her 
brain by the magnetic fluid, in a manner which I w T ill make 
perfectly clear to you all. I see enough in it to admire, and 
think it should interest both the curious and scientific. Too 
much sleep may be injurious, and you should now wake her 
up." After a few remarks in relation to my conversion, she 
was waked, by saying, " Amelia, you may now wake up in 
one minute." She awoke in about a minute, and when asked 
what she recollected having seen in her sleep, she said she had 



68 

a faint recollection of having seen some cocoons of silk at Mr. 
Durant's. I left, after a promise to be a friend to Mr. Andros, 
and to direct him in the best mode of introducing the science to 
the citizens of New York, after I should have seen a sufficient 
number of experiments to convince me of the reality of all its 
pretensions. On going out, Mr. Hale followed me to the outer 
door, and expressed his deep conviction of the extraordinary 
phenomenon. He described it as awful, and regretted having 
said so much against it. I left him, with a promise to ex- 
plain the cause of the phenomena on the morrow. 

In the evening, I had a large field for philosophical re- 
search; I had seen, for the first time, the wonderful effects of 
this most wonderful science. And, reader, if you have ever 
read a description of the phenomena produced by this science 
in Europe, or if you have heard of the one hundredth part of 
the marvellous effects produced by it in this country, and 
vouched for by eye-witnesses, whom you knew to be intelli- 
gent and learned, and whom you also knew to possess the 
most undoubted veracity, with discretion above the probabil- 
ity of being deceived, and with integrity and candor above 
the possibility of deception — fancy yourself in my situation, 
drawing conclusions from the scenes of the day. By a mere 
look and will of one mortal, another was thrown into a sleep, 
from which it was asserted, even the dismemberment of a 
limb could not rouse her. She was blind-fokled, yet could 
see with invisible eyes through the body; — nay, more — her 
spirit had left its natural tenement, annihilated distance, pen- 
etrated walls, and disclosed the situation of things unknown to 
its abode of organized and animated clay. — My head became 
dizzy, a new atmosphere seemed to pervade the room ; 
winged spirits clouded the air; I felt the magnetic Quid creep- 



G9 

ing through the brain; a drowsiness came over me; I leaned 
back in the chair, and lost in reverie, I thought 

Life seems the evening meteor gleam, 

Electromotive leap 
To mimic Time on Lethe's stream ; 

Then vanish in the deep. 
Now, every varied form assumes, 

From Tnlohite to Man ; 
Who conscious lv&es } 'till he presumes 

His origin to scan. 

Life seems the mystic chrysalis 

Of lepidopter worm ; 
Conception's metamorphosis, 

A sleep, a death, a germ ; 
It was before cosmogony, 

Out-lives Time's circled span : 
5 Tis infinite ! we only see 

Some mid-way link in man. 

Life seems a trance, where innate mind,- 

Through finite space will skip, 
More swift than light, past fleeting wind, 

From planet's tip, to tip. 
Sweet vision ! grant each thought may seem 

Of virtue, 'till the horn 
Of Gabriel calls to cite the dream. 

At rising in the morn. 

The mysterious fluid passed from the brain. I rou 
and retained a " faint recollection" of all that I had seen in 
the trance. The magnetic experiment had passed through 
my brain, and left a vivid impression of the arcanum leading 
to the phenomena. The somnambulist had gracefully closed 
her eyes, and when blind-folded, had answered as correctly in 
relation to things present and distant, as a shrewd son of 
Connecticut could do, when interrogated as to the flavor of 
an Oak-leaf Havanna. Three answers only were incorrect. 
The position of Mr. Dodge and Mr. Ewer were wrongly 
given, and a piece of white paper worn off from a letter, was 
transformed into the magnetic coin of the " little Magician;*' 



70 

in two answers, the objects were on a horizontal line with 
the eye, before which there were several folds of dense silk 
which prevented the magnetic rays of the objects from reach- 
ing the retina; in the third, misnaming of the object held by 
the hands to the epigastrium, the fluid of vision had been cut 
off by folds of silk held close against the upper lip, which 
obstructed the magnetic channel that runs from the epig« 
urn to the eye, through the opening, formed by the nose, pre- 
venting the blind-fold from touching the cheek. The whole 
seemed clear as noon-day. I tried an experiment on myself: 
cc I willed" a magnetic sleep, and it came. I tied two h 
kerchiefs over my eyes, and holding a book to the e 
urn, I read correctly one entire page in the Regne Am:. 

OF CUVIER. 

Here the reader may say, cc why not have made known to 
the world at once such an important discovery in science ?" 
I presume its disclosure would be of very little importai 
because it related to one single experiment, and to one : 
vidual only, while there were many more professors of 
science, whose fame in the magnetic doctrine would c 
ance the failure of one famous professor, j 
the experiment was witnessed by only four individuals ; two 
(at least) of whom were too thickly enveloped in my 
atmospheres, to see the cause of the phenomenon, i 
credulous to believe the truth, if explained to them. 
it was possible I might be mistaken; and such a 
was even ^probable, when surveying the formidable i 
wonderful facts vouched for, by a still more form 
of names, eminent in science and virtue. Tin; 
might carry conviction to a /<???<, whom the many would (H 
power, and the magnetic fluid remain free on i T - to 

contaminate the atmosphere of the continent. 



71 

The reader may smile and even deride at such fears ; but 
sit down with me awhile, and let us turn to the pages of his- 
tory, wherein is recorded the progress and triumph of Ani- 
mal Magnetism in Europe; let us turn, for a moment, to the 
history and unrecorded notes of our own country; let us lis- 
ten to the confession* of respectable men around us ; some 
of whom possess intelligence and discretion, at least 
equal to ourselves; they tell us that they thought such things 
impossible, yet, from having seen with their u own eyes," 
they became cc converts to the doctrine." 

Mr. and Mrs. Andros came to New York with the highest 
credentials. 7 She is acknowledged by many, to be the best 
somnambulist in the country, and Mr. Andros reputed to 
have more magnetic power than Poyen, who even acknow- 
ledges such fact himself; hence, it might have been just to 
infer, if Mrs. Andros feign sleep, all magnetic somnambu- 
lists feign sleep. But men draw different inferences from 
the same facts, and to unveil and expose to the world the nudity 
of Animal Magnetism, I judged correct inferences must be 
drawn, not from one alone, but from all the public professors 
of the science in the country ; I saw an excellent opportunity 
for obtaining such a result; it was this: I had already ex- 
pressed my conviction of the profoundness of the sleep. ... It 
was easy to go further, and express my conviction in full. No, 
I must not be a believer in all the effects, but must leave 
some effects to dispute with the professors, in order to elicit 
experiments from each 'subject to convince me of the error 
of the unimportant difference of opinion, or, for me to con- 

* A few months since, at the City Hotel, in Providence, Major Lomax, of U. S. Army, 
said in presence of respectable witnesses, " if there is any truth in the pretended pow- 
ers of Animal Magnetism, I will take two pistols and blow my brains out." He now ac- 
knowledges himself a believer in the doctrine, and is referred to, as such, in the recent 
publication by Mr. Hartshora. See also the confessions of Mr. Jenks, of Nantucket, aneU 
Col. Stone, of New York. 



72 

vince them of my correct conceptions, and thereby obtain an 
influence in their estimation and respect, which would con- 
duct me into the mysterious castle, and then " I will cut off 
the head of the giant in his sleep." 

I had now a long task to perform, and the better to ensure 
its completion, I must build a Theory, in which the giant 
would domiciliate; and to be of sufficiently just architectural 
proportions, to be in harmony with Nature's well known and 
analogous laws, and thereby remain unscathed, from the hot 
arrows of critical sappers, and yet to be of such combustible 
materials, that moonshine concentrated with a white paper lens, 
would explode the whole fabric, and disperse through the air 
the fragments of the fluidical monster and his court. 

It is easy to construct a false theory, but to uphold it, re- 
quires duplicity; to make known my intention among a few 
friends, would be spreading my plans before many, and cause 
a failure in the enterprise. Mrs. Andros alone, knew the 
theory of her sleep. The professors of the science, (those 
whom I had seen) knew nothing of the secret ; they were 
honest and sincere in their pretensions, and would forgive and 
perhaps thank me for the duplicity used, when I should re- 
veal to them the secret main-spring of the science. " Des- 
perate ends require desperate means," and my friends, I trust- 
ted, would forgive me for using duplicity, when I should ex- 
plain to them the motives that prompted me to use it, and 
show the beneficial results obtained by it. 

One coadjutor alone, was necessary to su< 
convenience of time and other circumstances, I chose Mr. 
James W. Hale; to him alone, I gradually developed the 
plans as they were formed, and with him, ited in 

many a hearty laugh, as the new theory continued to unveil 
the arcanum of Animal Magnetism. 



CHAPTER VI. 

author's new theory of animal magnetism. 

Matter in chaotic mass , globules in the formation of the 
universe — Atmosphere — Water — Inanimate matter — Ani- 
mals — Man — Magnetic fluid — Electricity — Loadstone — 
Magnets — Natural sleep — Magnetic sleep — Polarity of 
Man — Cerin — Its properties — Knowledge, communicated 
by magnetic cords — Fluid carries off diseases. 

In searching for materials to form a theory of Animal Mag- 
netism, it is only necessary to sweep, with a thought, the 
accumulated obstructions from the pathway of time, and look- 
back on the chaotic mass as it moves in retrospection from 
behind the dim nebula to occupy the more conspicuous sta- 
tion assigned to it in cosmogony. See now the simple forms 
cf matter, ail globular, and how few in number; count them ; 
there are less than one hundred, but they are all moving to 
join in various proportions, and form an infinite number of 
objects; oxygen and nitrogen have come together, and now 
form a new transparent object, called atmosphere. A new 
composition of matter is now to be formed. See moving 
from a distance, two large collections of very small globules; 
the smallest collection is oxygen, and extends six hundred 
and sixty-two miles; the largest collection is hydrogen, and 
extends one thousand three hundred and twenty -five miles ; 
the two collections have now come together, and formed a 
pond of transparent water, only one mile in length. Again 
the simple globules are in motion, and now many of them 
meet together and form a granite rock ; others, collected in 
another place, have formed earth. A new substance: is now 



74 

to be formed, many kinds of globules are now movii 
they are now together, and form iron ore. The simple glo* 
bules are now every where in motion, and meeting together 
in different clusters, form all the inanimate objects compo- 
sing the universe. A more beautiful formation is now to 
take place, the globules are collecting in the water ; then- 
meet and form the trilohite, a marine annual; it is alive, and 
is capable of re-producing its kind. The globules are ev 
where again in motion, and as they come together, form in- 
numerable kinds of fishes, beasts, and birds. The globules 
are again congregating, and see ! they have formed the most 
beautiful figure of all ; it is a Man ; he is endowed with in- 
tellect, and seems superior to all the other forms of life ; all 
the previous remaining globules have congregated in his 
mation, and there seems nothing left. Look again, you will 
perceive some very small globules left; they are mere m< 
cules compared with the other globules, and appear inf] 
in numbers; they do not seem to combine with any formed 
object, and yet they move every where, and pass thro . 
every thing. All objects being composed of round glob;. 
must be porous, occasioned by the impossibility of round glo- 
bules forming a perfectly solid mass. It is between th 
openings or pores that the last remaining globular rnole< 
find a free passage through all objects in the Universe. In 
the unobstructed passage of these infinitely small globu 
ving in infinite numbers, they produce such wonderful 
that we will, for convenience, name them ei 
netic fluid. This fluid sometimes collects in lai 
the atmosphere, which it displaces to occupj 
though collected in large masses, it never coin, ber, 

and being very elastic, it sometimes starts suddenly to ano- 



75 

ther place, leaving a vacuum where it came from: This vacu- 
um being suddenly filled by the elastic atmosphere rushing to- 
gether, forms the phenomenon called thunder; the rapid pas- 
sage of the magnetic fluid through the atmosphere, produces 
a vivid light, called lightning, by friction with the globules 
which form the atmosphere. 

Let us now trace the course of the magnetic fluid through 
the pores of objects on the earth. In passing through some 
objects, particularly iron, it frequently continues to keep up 
the stream, until stopped by a very simple process well 
known to man, and the iron through which the stream 
passes is called a magnet; large beds of iron ore are 
found in the earth, having a stream of this fluid passing 
through it from South to North; the Southern part 
of the bed of ore where the fluid enters, is called the South 
Pole, and the Northern end, where the fluid passes'out, is 
called the North Pole. If you break from the mass a piece 
of this ore, it will have a stream passing through it with a 
South and North Pole; this is called a natural magnet. If 
you hang a pair of tongs in the chimney corner, the magnetic 
fluid (first put in motion by the atmosphere,) will gradually 
work through the metal, and in one or two years, form a per- 
manent stream through the tongs, which will have a North 
and South Pole, and perform all the phenomena of the horse 
shoe magnet. Draw a natural magnet lengthwise over a 
bar of iron or steel, and you start a stream of the magnetic fluid 
through it ; this bar, poised on a vertical pivot, forms the 
compass used by surveyors and mariners; it receives the fluid 
at the South, and discharges it at the North; hence it must 
follow, if the South Pole of one magnet be placed to the 
North Pole of another magnet, they will eling together, for 
the fluid in passing out of the North Pole of one, enters the 



76 

South Pole of the other, and continues an unbroken stream; 
this is called attraction in magnets; and hence, it also follows, 
that if two North Poles come together, they will fly off, be- 
cause two streams come together from opposite directions ; 
this is called magnetic repulsion. The same fact will be 
seen, if you take two horse shoe magnets and bring together 
the two North and the two South Poles, which will repel 
each other, and if one is suspended the other will fall; but if 
you turn one over so as to bring the north of one to the south 
of the other, they will adhere by the circular stream of mag- 
netic fluid running through the whole; hence it follows incontro- 
vertibly, that as the magnetic fluid can pass through the pores 
of all substances, two magnets must continue to attract each, 
other, even when other substances are placed between them ; 
this is found to be invariably true, in all cases tried with the 
most dense substances, such as glass, wood, metals, water, 
stones, &c, and the magnets always continue to attract the 
^ame as if nothing intervened. There is one exception 

ONLY TO THIS GENERAL LAW, CERIN,* AN ANIMAL FA T , 
(THE GLOBULES OF WHICH ARE SO SOFT, THAT THEY 
MASH TOGETHER, AND CLOSE UP ALL THE PORES,) WHEN 
SPREAD ON PAPER AND HELD BETWEEN TWO MAGNETS, 
CUTS OFF THE MAGNETIC STREAM AND RENDERS THE 

magnets as powerless as wood. If a stream of 
magnetic fluid can be caused to run through a bar of ircn by 
drawing a natural magnet in one direction over it, it follows 
that the stream can be changed or stopped by drawing the 
natural magnet over it in an opposite direction. This is also 
true in practice; and even a common spike drawn hard over 

* This wonderful substance, Ceriu, is like the M larnin" of Teddy O'Kourk*, it BtOi 
11 spread thin and made to go a great ways," or rise the fabric will explode, as it comes 
in contact with the dull brain of a scientific " numskull. " [Vide Frontispiece.] 



77 

a magnetic needle from the North to the South Pole, will de- 
prive the needle of its magnetic properties, and destroy the 
compass. 

The magnetic fluid pervades the pores of all substances, 
and is generally inactive, or nearly so, until put in motion by 
the friction of some other globules striking against it. It 
has a great affinity for animal hair, and a still greater for me- 
tal ; hence, a deer's tail whirled in the atmosphere, collects 
the fluid, and the tail striking on a metalic plate, communi- 
cates the fluid to the plate, from thence it may be conducted 
by a string to a stop cock, from which hydrogen gas may is- 
sue and take fire by the fluid ; such a lamp is used for in- 
structive lectures at most colleges in the country. The fluid 
is collected by the same principle in the electric machine. 
The magnetic fluid pervades all substances, animate as well 
as inanimate, and produces singular effects in animals. A 
small portion of it conducted from an electric machine into 
a man, will produce drowsiness ; a very large portion of it 
will produce death, by forcing asunder the globules of which 
man is composed ; the hairs on man are continually collect- 
ing small portions of the fluid from the atmosphere ; woollen 
clothes also collect it, and communicate it to the system, from 
whence it again passes oft to the atmosphere. A small portion 
of the fluid is always necessary to support life, by. warming the 
blood with friction as it passes through the pores ; sufficient for 
this purpose is collected from the carpet and earth by the feet, 
which forms the South Pole of an animal magnet ; the eye by 
continually straining after objects, causes the fluid to pass off 
at the retina, which forms the North Pole, (when awake,) of 
an animal magnet ; change and relaxation, ebb and flow, are 
essential to all things ; the nerves, by fatigue with manual la- 



78 

bor during ten or twenty hours, loose the power to draw the fluid 
up, and the eyes by fatigue with u looking," loose the power 
to throw off the magnetic fluid, which must now begin to ebb 
or run downwards, entering in at the eye, which now be- 
comes the South Pole, and passes off at the feet, which in 
turn becomes the North Pole of the animal magnet ; the eye 
being transparent, receives the fluid faster than it can pass 
off at the North Pole, (feet,) which surcharges the system 
and produces the natural sleep. In sleep there is a relaxa- 
tion of the nervous system, and consequently the whole body 
is gradually invigorated, until the eye gains sufficient strength 
to open and change the magnetic current, receiving the fluid 
again at the feet, (South Pole,) and throw it off from the eve, 
(North Pole ;) this is called cc natural waking." 

In the waking state, man is capable of forcing a more than 
natural rapid magnetic stream from the eye ; particularly if he 
desires to see or have the object towards which he directs 
the eye; this is called " will." Hence man is able to u will" 
a magnetic current from his eyes ; the magnetic fluid can 
pass through the pores of all substances, (except cerin,) and 
consequently the current thrown out by the tc will," can be 
sent to another person's eye, which (if awake) will likewise 
be a north pole, and offer an opposing current ; two currents 
meeting from opposite directions, the weakest must be turn- 
ed. Hence if a strongman 4t will" a magnetic current from 
his eye, (North Pole,) it must turn the weak current from a 
woman's eye, which now becomes the South Pole, receiving 
the magnetic current from the North Pole of a man. In na- 
ture, w r hen the eye becomes the South Pole, the person is in 
natural sleep ; hence, when by the animal tw will," the eye 
of a woman becomes the South Pole, the woman is in a MAG- 

E 



79 

netic sleep, and can be a magnetic somnambulist, the same 
as one in a natural sleep can be a natural somnambulist. 

In the magnetic sleep, the magnetic fluid passes from the 
brain and eye (North Pole,) of the magnetizer to the eye 
(South Pole) and brain of the magnetic somnambulist; the 
magnetic fluid is composed of globular molecules which 
touch each other, and form strings or magnetic cords from 
one brain to the other brain; hence, if the brain of the mag- 
netizer be moved by a u sense of external things," the magnet- 
ic cords instantly conveys the same sympathetic move or 
u sense of external things" to the brain of the magnetic som- 
nambulist. 

u A sense of external things" is knowledge, hence, all 
knowledge possessed by the magnetizer is instantly possessed 
by the magnetics omnarnbulist, who is, consequently, capable 
of answering correctly any question which the magnetizer 
could answer himself. 

Diseases are obstructions in the pores of the body. The 
magnetic fluid carries off all obstructions in its passage through 
the pores of the system; hence, all diseases are carried off 
from the system by the magnetic fluid, in its passage through 
the pores of the system. 

The magnetizer can force the fluid through all objects, 
(except cerin,) and consequently can force the fluid u by his 
will," in a curve through the brain of a third person, in its 
passage to the brain of the magnetic somnambulist; and con- 
sequently, the third person will be in magnetic communication 
with the magnetic somnambulist, who will be able to answer 
correctly, all questions which the person in magnetic com- 
munication could answer himself. 



CHAPTER VII. , 

SECOND EXPERIMENT ON ANIMAL MAGNETISM IN NEW YORK. 

Objections to new theory over-ruled — Case of William JVads- 
■icorili explained — Case ofJMiss Parker explained — J) 
— rapid concepii \ht train — Capt. Lefevers > 

rience in thought — Theory proved by experiment^ 
sions to the new theory— future. 

By my theory in the preceding chapter, the reader will 
perceive, that I was to advocate all parts of the science ex- 
cept Ci Clair V' or the power of seeing things unknown 
to the one ' ;netic coi ation. I called on Mr. 
Andros, at the V e morning after the first ex- 
periment. I explained to him 3 in part, my theory; taking 
care not to speak of the cc I things should be more 
matured. I ith all parts except disputing 
tc clairvoyance," and ci,. iber of cases, to show me that 
n error in tba One c . that re- 
lated in history, chapter V.- Irs. Andros saw the 
dog of Mr. i Wadsworth, in Philadelphia, when he 
himself did net know where ;, or whether he had 
a rope on his neck. I reconciled that case to my theory, 
by explaining the ' >e power of the brain thus: The in- 
stant we hear of men or things, no matter how distant, the 
brain instantly conceives a vivid impression of the object, 
although the eyes never saw it. When I heard that William 
IV. of England was dead, my brain conceived him lying in 
state, enveloped in cerecloth. If, at that moment, I had 
asked a magnetic somnambulist to tell me whether William 
IV. was in the house of Parliament, or at his dinne] m- 
nambulist would have answered, "neither, he is dead and 

e2 



81 

rolled in cerecloth," and this answer might be given, although 
the somnambulist never heard he was dead, but merely by 
the knowledge or impression, (which according to my theory 
is the same,) conveyed from my brain by the magnetic cords 
to the brain of the somnambulist. The moment Mr. Wads- 
worth asked about his dog, he had an impression on his brain 
that he was not all black, and knowing it was dog-days, thought 
he might be tied, to comply with the city laws; and if tied, 
he must have broke the string to be in the entry, which might or 
might not be correct, and yet be reconciled to my theory. 
Several similar objections I over-ruled by similar explanations, 
but he still thought, that by experiments with Mrs. Andros, 
he could convince me she possessed " clairvoyance." 

Mr. Peter F. Ewer was present a part of the time, but 
said, he did not " fairly understand the theory." Mr. 
Dodge was in the hotel at the time. He was to leave for 
home that day, (15th August.) I had only time to give him 
an outline of the theory, and told him when we should meet 
again, I would guarantee to convince him of the correct- 
ness of my theory, which would disprove u clairvoyance," 
and divest Animal Magnetism of every thing supernatural, 
leaving it a beautiful science, worthy of the admiration and 
patronage of all classes in the community. Mr. Dodge said, 
he had himself entertained doubts as to the u clairvoyance," 
and hoped I w r ould be able to substantiate, by actual ex- 
periment, my opinion on that point. He requested I would 
be a friend to Mr. Andros; advise him, in all cases, for bis 
good; and if convinced of the perfect truth of the science, to 
use my influence in introducing him to public notice; all which 
I promised to do, and these pages will show how I have kept 
my promise. 



82 

The following day, (16th,) I saw Mr. Andros, and explain- 
ed further my theory. Mrs. A. was present, and listened with 
much attention. They both expressed belief of rny theory, 
except disputing clairvoyance, and thought I would yet be a 
believer in that phenomenon. Mr. A. cited another case 
which could not be reconciled to my theory; it was that of 
Miss Parker seeing an enlarged spleen in a dead person, (re- 
corded in a preceding chapter,) when Dr. Brownell, \^ho 
was in magnetic communication, said u he had no idea that 
the gentleman died with diseased spleen." That was a 
mo*re difficult case, but I made it clear as noon-day, thus: 
The brain has an inventive power and also an extraordinary 
capacity for retaining the impression of things long past and 
apparently forgotten; it likewise conceives so rapidly, that 
we are not always conscious of what has been on the mind. 
An experiment was once tried, to awake a man by firing a 
pistol close to his ear; he awoke in four seconds, and after a 
few words of explanation, related his dream. A tremendous 
report from an alarm gun (the report of the pistol) roused the 
citizens to arms to repel the invading enemy, some of whom 
had already scaled the walls of the city and fired the town; 
a dreadful contest ensued between the enemy and citizens; 
lie was wounded and carried off a prisoner, remained in pri- 
son ten yeaiis, and was released by the king, who by accident 
in passing the grated windows, discovered the prisoner to be 
the prince, his son, long supposed dead; he resides at the 
palace four years, and marries a subject, for which he is 
banished from the country; is wandering in foreign count] 
seventeen years, undergoing great vicissitudes of fortune; is 
caught by a wild beast, and escapes with the loss of more than 
half of his head, including a large part of the brain; lingers one 



83 

year under the medical attendance of a kangaroo; recovers; 
spends three years on a farm; is arrested for high treason; in 
prison two years; condemned, and on reaching the scaffold, 
awakes ) to relate the events of thirty-seven years] all of which 
must have occurred in four seconds, the time which elapsed 
between firing the pistol and awaking. 

Capt. Lefever, of Beverly, Massachusetts, with whom I 
came passenger in the brig Texel, from Lisbon to Philadel- 
phia, in the fall- of 1823, related to me a similar circumstance 
in the history of his life. When a "hand before the mast," 
he fell from the yard-arm to the ocean, and during the desceat, 
which could not have occupied more than three second s, he 
thought he must be drowned; his mind flew home; he saw the 
family receive the news of his death; the grief and condolence 
of friends; preparations for the funeral sermon, burial and 
gradual reconciliation to the beravement, as great length of 
time elapsed after the event. The incidents which he saw in 
that three seconds, would, said Capt. Lefever, u occupy me 
an entire week to narrate." 

The power of unconsciously retaining the impression of 
things, is shown in our daily recalling to mind something 
omitted to be done. We sometimes say — there! — I promis- 
ed to do such a thing full two weeks since, and I have not 
thought of it until this moment. There! — how strange! — it 
just occurred to my mind, that I once put a toad in moist 
clay, enclosed the whole in a box, and buried it in the cellar 
to test its vitiality. I was then a small child; it must be 
twenty years since, and I have never thought of it since until 
this moment. 

So Dr. Brownell, when first called to prescribe for the 
patient, of whom he concluded to ask Miss Parker the nature 



84 

of the disease, rapidly revolved in his mind the cause of 
it. lie is a physician, and first thought of dropsy in the head 
or chest, diseased spleen, stone, gravel, and probably twenty 
other diseases, in a few seconds, but he finally came to the 
conclusion, that it was diseased liver; in arriving at this con- 
clusion, he is scarcely conscious of having thought of any 
other disease, and yet every impression lays dormant on the 
brain. He asks Miss Parker, is the liver diseased? at this 
instant, he thinks of perhaps fifty different incorrect answers 
she may give, and she answers u no." I requested her to look 
at every part of him, and after some little time, she answered 
Ct the spleen is diseased." Now, although Dr. Brownell sup- 
posed liver was uppermost in his mind, yet her answer u the 
spleen is diseased," was once a thought of his own, the faint 
impression of which had laid dormant on his brain until that 
moment, when it was communicated by the magnetic cord 
the brain of Miss Parker, who was m magnetic somnambuli 
and in magnetic communication with him. The argument 
was conclusive; both Mr. and Mrs. Andros readily embraced 
the whole theory. Mr. A. said, he could now see through the 
whole of it; he recalled to mind several of the cases of 
posed u clairvoyance," and readily imagined that there cc 
be no such thing ; it could all be accounted for by my theo- 
ry, and made perfectly plain. Mr. and Mrs A- both ex pi- 
ed astonishment, that no person ever before thought o\ - 
a beautiful theory, and expressed much delight at the fortu- 
nate circumstance of becoming acquainted with nu\ and 
ed to give me an interest of one half the receipts of the <•■ - 
templated lectures, if I would assist him in (It I 

professed much reluctance to take an interest, but offered to 
direct and assist him in the best mode of introducing the sci- 



85 

ence to the public. They were both very anxious to com- 
mence public lectures as soon as possible, and desired to 
know where a suitable room could be had for the purpose. 
I proposed trying private experiments first, for a few days, 
so I could ascertain all the somnambulic powers of Mrs. A., 
preparatory to arranging the form most suitable to introduce 
the experiments to the public. This plan was readily acce- 
ded to, and having at that hour an engagement elsewhere, 
I left, with promises to devote a good share of my time to 
simplify this interesting science, and promote his interest with 
the citizens. 

On the following day, (17th,) while in conversation with 
Mr. and Mrs. A. in the parlour of the Varick House, Mr. 
Ewer entered, and requested to hear more of my theory, as 
he could not perfectly understand it. I explained its general 
principles, and dwelt more minutely on the magnetic cord 
passing from the brain of the magnetizer to the brain of the 
somnambulist, and expressed my positive knowledge that the 
somnambulist could not see or tell any thing which did not 
come by that cord from the brain of the magnetizer; and I 
added, to test that part of my theory, I will arrange two 
trunks, one of which Mrs. Andros can tell its contents, and 
the other she cannot tell. " Do you say she shall tell what 
is in one?" yes, she shall tell one, and she shall not tell the 
other. All were now anxious for such a beautiful experiment,, 
and for want of two trunks, proposed taking two hats and try 
it at once. We repaired to Mr. A.'s private room, and after 
Mrs. A. was in magnetic sleep, near the door, I requested 
Mr. Ewer and Mr. Andros to step to the table to see the 
hats arranged; in one I placed a tumbler and in the other an 
inkstand; I then told Mr. A. to go and ask her the questions* 



86 

When his back was turned, I took a comb from my pocket 
and put it in place of the tumbler, which I took out. Mr. 
A. asked her to look in the hats, and tell what she saw there: 
she answered, u something round." "well, what is it? you 
know it well, tell me what it is?" " It looks round, it looks 
dark'" u yes, that is right, but tell us what it is ? you know 
it very well, can't you tell us the name?" ''• It looks like an 
inkstand." I then remarked, you see Mr. Ewer, she 
correct, so far. and now for the other. u Come Amelia, look 
in the other hat and tell us what you see there? cc It It 
colored'" u yes, that is right, but tell me what it is?" u It h 
round and it looks bright'," "yes, that is right, but tell me 
the name of it, can't you ?" u It looks like a tumbler." I 
then shewed Mr. A. it was a comb. 

This was complete; my theory triumphed; they all acknowl- 
edged it, but could not yet understand the cause. I explain- 
ed it thus : Mr. Andros saw me put the tumbler in one bat 
and the inkstand in the other, consequently the contents of 
both hats were impressed on his brain ; he was in magnetic 
communication with her, and his knowledge was conveyed by 
the magnetic cords to her brain, therefore, she saw a tumbler 
and an inkstand ; I took out the tumbler and put in its place 
a comb, when his back was turned, and as he did not know 
there was a comb in the hat, she of course could not; for by 
my theory, she cannot see or have knowledge of any ti 
which is not on the brain of the person in magnetic com' 
ni cation with her.* 

' The true theory and explanation is this: The circuuistani i 
forme: the experiment was in her room. Shekne* all the things on I 
tumbler, an inkstand, and;', pair of sniffer 8 ; there is ttDohoUr, ami heoofthc l\ 
are ptobabrj in them :— First, "it is round?* 1 "Yes; 1 then lt it m dark' • I 
an inkstand, of course. Second,— "i7 is round*" "Yes*;" then* ti* I 

tb&n of tuiur.se it is a tumbLer ; for by her conversation in 



87 

This was perfectly satisfactory, and carried conviction to 
all. Mr. Ewer became a perfect convert to my theory. Mr. 
Andros was more confirmed, and Mrs. Andros, although she 
had tried in the morning to recant her former acknowledg- 
ments, now confessed herself a firm and unqualified believer 
in my theory. Many encomiums were given on my scientific 
acquirements, and particularly on my knowledge of Animal 
Magnetism. I am always delighted to receive compliments, 
particularly the following : u How the people of Providence 
will be astonished, when they come to hear of your theory. 
There is not a soul of 'em but what believes in clairvoyance, 
and there ai'nt one of them that knows how to account for 
any part of magnetism. I do Wish you could see old Poyen; 
he thinks he knows so much about magnetism, and gets in a 
great passion when any one crosses him." 

I felt of course much elated with the compliments, and 
particularly with having made a perfect convert of Mrs. An- 
dros to that part of my theory. That was glory enough for 
one day, and I left them, with promises to u keep an eye 
out" for a vacant lect *e room, and to meet them at the Hotel, 
on the morrow. 

not wish to believe that part of my theory, lest 1 should thereby unveil the mystery ; and 
therefore she trieH to guess correctly in both hats, but the idea of changing the tumbler 
for a comb, was unexpected, and she was now obliged to believe " that part''* of my the- 
ory, or expose her own deception. If she did not now admit "that part," she would 
stand seJf-accusr I \g at the contents of each hat. For, if she saw the insido of 

the hats with invisible eyes, or clairvoyance, it would follow that she-must see the comb, 
because it was actually in the hat. Mr. Andros, as I remarked in chaptei fifth, is perfect- 
ly innocent; so are all the magnet.izers that I have seen ; there is no collision between 
them and the somnambulist " f the men candidly and seriously believe that they put 
the da&r creatures asleep by the " will," or a fluid from their eyes. 




CHAPTER VIII. 

THIRD EXPERIMENT IX ANIMAL MAGNETISM IX NEW 

YORK. 

Fluid forced through a wall — Transmission of the m 
Ji u i d — Ho i o affe c te d — Th eory co n fi r m e d — ; 
necessary to be read in order to he well understood. 

Pursuant to promise, I met Mr. and Mrs. Andres on Fri- 
day, (18fh,) and after a few preliminary remarks of weather, 
and Mrs. A.'s health, the conversation turned on my wonder- 
ful theory. Since the preceding day, they had thought mi 
of it, and were more and more convinced of its correctness 
and beauty ; they bad thought over some of the most extraor- 
dinary cases of supposed clairvoyance, and my theory ac- 
counted for them all, and proved, that what was supposed to be 
clairvoyance, was only the thought of the magnetize) 
by the cords or nerves of the magnetic fluid to the brain 
the somnambulist ; and Mr. Andros continued, ' the 

people of Providence will stare when they come to hear of 
it; they will all he dreadful anxious to see Mr. Durant. 
But had we not better keep the theory to ourselves, for it 
makes Animal Magnetism so plain, and accounts so well for 
all the wonders and mysteries, that people might lose all cu- 
riosity to see the exhibition ?" On the contrary, I repli 
many were afraid to look at or believe in it heretofore, on 
count of its being so mysterious and supernatural in it- 
religious men would not countenance it, oild 
not understand it, and supposed the supernatural i 
the works of the devil ; scientific men would nol it, 
because they do not wish to acknowledge belief in any th 



89 

which they cannot understand, and so with the religions and 
scientific, Animal Magnetism has always had a formidable 
opposition, which must give way under the light which my 
theory will throw on the science ; it will be divested of clair- 
voyance and every thing supernatural, and so simplified that 
every child can comprehend the whole at a glance. Reli- 
gious men will see in it the simple and beautiful works of 
nature ; scientific men will find much in it to interest them, 
by comparing its effects with the analogous effects produced 
by Nature's known and analogous laws ; the curious will be 
pleased with it, because they will be able to understand the 
simple cause that produces such wonderful effects, and all 
persons will admire it as a curious amusement adapted to the 
capacities of children and men. 

Similar conversations occupied nearly an hour, when we 
repaired to Mr. A.'s room, to spend a leisure half hour with 
private experiments. She was put to sleep as usual, in about 
one minute, and complaining of pain in the eyes from effect 
of light, was blindfolded with a handkerchief. She performed 
several minor things, unimportant to the history ; as I always 
planned some things for her success, to inspire her with con- 
fidence, and lull any suspicions that might arise in her mind 
respecting my object of pursuit. At this time, as well as in 
most of the preceding experiments, he willed a pencil to be 
a water melon, and a tumbler to contain lemonade, &c, but 
I will reserve the explanation of these for a future chapter. 
I then proposed to have her waked, and for me to w T rite on 
paper the time he should put her asleep ; this was readily ac- 
ceded to, and when he awoke her, he remarked,, that he and 
all the magnetizers of Providence had often performed such 
experiments, and considered them as easily done as a*iy olhr- 



90 

er thing in magnetism ; and he added, u I have frequently 
put her asleep by time, when I was in another room, and 
separated from her by a partition." I remarked to them, 
that such things would be very useful to convince the public 
of the reality of the science and truth of my theory. We 
now compared our time, and altered his watch to correspond 
with mine. I then handed him a paper, on which I wrote, 
put her asleep at the end of fifteen minutes. We as;ain com- 
pared watches, and I pointed with a pencil on his, where the 
hand would be in fifteen minutes ; as he went out, she said 
"you won't stay long ;" he answered u oh no ;" and ad- 
dressing me, he said, " I suppose it won't be necessary to 
ivait long to see if I effect her, I will come in about five min- 
utes after," meaning in five minutes after the fifteen minutes 
should expire. 

She was not blindfolded, and in about three minutes, I 
looked at the watch, and then at her eyes, as if it was nearly 
time to fall asleep ; in four minutes and a half from the time 
he left, her eyes were closed, and I spoke to her, but recei- 
ved no answer ; this is always proof of being asleep, for they 
cannot in magnetic sleep hear any person who is not in mag- 
netic communication. I took hold of her hand, and contin- 
ued from time to time to speak to her, but she could not 
hear me, and of course could not answer. 

He returned after twenty minute's absence, haying waited 
five minutes extra, for fear the fluid might be some time ; 
ing through the wall ; she had fallen in sleep ten minutes and 
a half before the time designated on paper, but on his asking 
me " how did it succeed ?" I answered " very well ii 
it was not exactly to a minute, but my theory accounts tor 
that, by the magnetic fluid having so great an 'affinity for some 



91 

things, that it will be drawn through before its time, when 
through other substances, it will be retarded after the natural 
time. I carelessly took the paper from his hand, (lest she 
might be curious enough to look at it in my absence,) and 
told him, too much sleep was injurious, and he had better wake 
her up ; this he did, by saying u Amelia, you may now wake 
up." She opened her eyes smiling, and asked how it had 
succeeded. I gave the same explanation to her that I had 
given to him, and added, by a series of such experiments, I 
will be able to tell to a second the precise time the fluid will 
reouire to pass through all the various substances.* 

We now discussed the preliminary steps for the public 
lectures ; and I proposed, first, to interest some influential 
men, by private experiments, then show it to the editors, 
and nothing more would be necessary to make his fortune. 
1 told them, some friends of mine from Boston, would like 
to see an experiment, and as they were influential men, it 
would be of much benefit to the science, while at the same 
time, I could gain from the experiment, the full extent of 
Mrs. A.'s magnetic powers, prior to commencing the lectures. 

* The true theory in this -science, is too well understood by the reader, to require utta- 
ny comments. She was anxious to know nearly the time of going to sleep, and there" 
fore carelessly said " you won't stay long." He merely answered her "no ;' ; for he is 
perfectly .sincere, and believed he could put her asleep by the fluid or "will;" he had 
implicit confidence in my great knowledge, and wished to do every thing just as Ide . 
sired ; but in his previous experiments of this kind, she had not always slept just at the 
moment intended, and fearing the wall might retaul the passage of the fluid, he desired 
to know how long I thought the fluid would be in passing through ; he also knew it was 
necessary to keep the time from her, and therefore he very honestly said, "I suppose 
it won't be necessary to wait long to see if I affect her; T will come in about five minutes 
after," which she mistook for five minutes after he should have left the room, and closed 
her eyes accordingly, guessing the time within half a minute of what she supposed was 
on the paper. 

I at once knew his remarks would be serviceable, and I carelessly answered, yes, five 
minutes will be enough to try this experiment, and to help mislead her judgement, I look 
ed alternately at the watch and her eyes, previous to the expiration of Jive minutes* in- 
stead of waiting for the fifteen minutes, and so "coaxed her in the trap." 



CHAPTER IX. 

FOURTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM IN JER- 
SEY CITY. 

Mrs. Anclros describes things in Boston — Describes 

in Calcutta — Sceptics — Fluid forced through four walls 
— Polarity proved — Very important notes, not to be o 
looked. 

On Saturday, (19th August,) Mr. and Mrs. Andros came, 
according to appointment, to my residence in Jersr 
where a number cf my friends, by invitation, came to se 
experiment in the wonderful science of Animal Magneti 
There were present, Dr. Palmer, cf the Commercial • 
zette, Boston ; Ich, of New York ; Ho- 

of Boston, and I .ie, of whom I have before spok 

the c 3 to whom I had expressed my candid sentiments, 

and the only one to whom I explained the plan of ope- 
rations : to all others, both friends and strangers, I conti: 
to advocate my theory, or small parts of it to t 
good care to ; about the cerin, and seldom i 

tioning the part which treats cf curing diseases ; I disputed 
clairvoyance, but advocated all other parts of the scienc 
its fullest extent. My friends, whose names i 
tioned, were unbelievers, but from my serious maun 
voeating the theory, which I always promised to w 
more fully thereafter, they were induced to beli 
be something in the science, yet would not beli 
they should see it. 

Mrs. A. closed her eyes as usual in about one mi: 
the principal experiments were, going to other places, and 



93 

describing houses, furniture, &c. All present, except Mr. 
Balch, were severally put in magnetic communication with 
her, and each sent her, (in spirit,) to distant places, all of 
which she described in the usual mode ; for instance, u there 
is a carpet on the floor, something dark in the centre of the 
room, looks like a table, something looks like a glass between 
the windows, some chairs in the room, they look dark color- 
ed, two lamps on the mantle, a lady in the room, looks mid- 
dle aged, one child ;" up stairs, was generally u a bed in the 
room., and a wash bowl ;" in the kitchen there was always 
" some kettles, and something dark, looks like a grate to burn 
coal, &c." There was one exception. Mr. Erving having 
resided in the East Indies, sent her, (in spirit,) to his for- 
mer residence in Calcutta ; there the things were u curious, 
can't describe it ; never saw such a house before, the mantle 
is different from any I ever saw," (there is none,) "some- 
thing on that side of the room, looks dark colored, can't des- 
cribe it ; in the yard, there is a man with peeked shoes on, 
something else looks green." My friends Palmer, Balch 
and Erving, could not believe she was asleep ; (incredulous 
men ;) they even whispered to me, that they could guess 
better themselves ; they said there was not one answer in , 
twenty correct, except the carpet, looking-glass and chairs, 
which, said they, u every body knows." 

The correct answers need no explanation, but the incor- 
rect ones I explained in this way ; according to my theory, 
she receives her information from the brain of the one in 
magnetic communication. You had an idea that she could 
not tell, and therefore when you asked a question, you con- 
ceived on your brain some incorrect object, w T hich was trans- 
mitted by the magnetic cords, or nerves, to her brain, and 



94 

answered incorrectly of course. Mr. Erving then proposed, 
that / should ask her about a stairway in Calcutta, which he 
described to me. I then asked her, and she told incorrectly. 
That seemed to upset my former explanation, but according 
to the theory, I explained it thus : I endeavored, it is true, 
to impress a perfect description of the Calcutta stairs on my 
brain, but at the same moment, the brain unavoidably con- 
ceived a fac-simile of many other stairs, and the magnetic 
cord conveyed the wrong one to her brain.* This explana- 
tion, of course, satisfied all present, except Messrs. Erving, 
Balch, and Palmer, who were too incredulous to believe 
what professors in the science know to be facts. On leaving 
me that day, one of my friends remarked, u Durant, I will 
bespeak for you a strait jacket, for I think you will want it 
soon." I was much pleased with his remark, as he undoubt- 
edly had reference to the approaching cold winter, and intend- 
ed to bespeak, as a present for me, a great jacket , or great- 
coat^ (as they are more generally called,) in compliment for 
my lucid theory of Animal Magnetism. 

The appointment at my residence, was particularly intend- 
ed for u a private experiment, to ascertain the full magnetic 
powers of Mrs. Andros;" and after the company left me, 
(Mrs. A. being now awake,) I told Mr. A., I wished to as- 
certain the strength of the polarity of the animal magnet, and 
settle by actual experiment, for the use of his lectures, whe- 
ther there was sufficient attracting power in the South Po 
(eye,) of the animal magnet, to draw from its true coi 
the magnetic needle, and at the same time ho could go in the 
front parlor and see if he could put her asleep w I 

* Any other theory would be superfluous in convincing the reader "t" :!;• 
\\\\< logic. Many learned men assert, that there is such ;i I 
or facts which admit of n<> proof; this seems i" me acase in point, and 
denco." 

F 



95 

walls intervened, (an entry way divides the parlors, and con- 
sequently tivo walls intervene.) He went in the front parlor, 
and she closed her eyes in about two minutes ; I found very 
little attraction in the South Pole, (eye,) and explained why, 
according to my theory, there should not be a very strong 
attraction. The reader who has read chapter VI. would on- 
ly be fatigued by an explanation here, and therefore I shall 
dispense with it.* 

A few minutes sufficed for this experiment, when I 
told him to awake her, which he performed in the usual way, 
by giving her permission to do so. The success was row 
of course all explained to her, and arrangements made for 
another experiment. The following day being Sunday, I 
suggested the propriety of dispensing with experiments, as 
our great aim should be to interest the clergy and religious 
men in the science, which could only be done by conforming 
with the most scrupulous exactness to the moral law, and go 
to church at least every Sunday morning. This was readily 
assented to, and they agreed to call again at my residence on 
Monday afternoon, to interest some influential friends whom 
I was to invite. 

Nothing is more true, than the saying, " it is easier to 
promise than it is to perform," and it never was more strik- 
ingly exemplified than with Mr. Andros in the present instance; 

"The true polarity sought for in this experiment, will be better understood in a subse- 
quent chapter. I wished to know the real force of the magnetic brain, or in other words, 
through how many thicknesses of w 7 all he could force the fluid, preparatory to the 
grand test of my theory. One very important point w T as attained by this trial. There 
is two partitions, and eonscqnently./owr thicknesses of plastered wall between the par- 
lors • each wall is likewise covered with paper, and notwithstanding all these obstruc- 
tions Mr Andros, by his "will," forced the magnetic fluid through the whole into her 
brain and put her asleep in two minutes. A very wise philosopher, who fell with Alamo 
*n defence of Texas, has said "first be sure you are right, and then; go ahead." I am 
sure the fluid went through four walls and put her asleep, and now— recollect I have not 
said a word about cerln. 



9G 

for he promised to follow my example, by dispensing with 
experiments and go to church on Sunday; but the following 
Monday I called at the Astor House to see some friends, and 
happening there to meet friend Porter, of the Boston Travel- 
ler, the conversation, among other things, turned on Animal 
Magnetism. He told me he saw an experiment the clav pre- 
vious (Sunday,) at the Varick House, by Mr. and Mrs. An- 
dros ; he narrated a few of the most important particulars of 
that experiment, which I endeavored to impress strongly on 
my brain for future communication by the magnetic cords to 
the public in this lecture ; other impressions have almost ef- 
faced the impressions then received, but T retain a faint re- 
collection of the following : during her magnetic sleep, and 
while blindfolded, Capt. Childs, of the steamboat Narragan- 
sett, came in the room ; Mrs. Andros instantly recognised 
him, and called him by name ; she even cried with joy, for 
she felt so grateful to him for his kind attentions during her sea- 
sickness on the passage from Providence to New York. 
When she was about, being waked, Capt. Childs hid behind 
the bed, and on awaking she had no recollection of having 
seen him in her sleep, and did not know he was in the room." 
So much for friend Porter ; but when I told him I had a 
theory which would account for all that, I thought I saw a 
leer in the corner of his eye, seeming to say, " I will be- 
speak you a jacket too, friend Durant ;" but there is no un- 
derstanding these editors, they praise every thing except 
General Government, and that they lash without mercy, be- 
cause it fosters and protects all things worthy of praise. 



(2 



CHAPTER X. 

FIFTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM AT JERSEY 

CITY. 

Mrs. Andros goes in spirit to New York — Things are 
darkish — Some talk about bleeding— Somnambulist cries 
and jumps — Paralyzing the arm — Explanation of cry- 
ing — Theory in bad odour. 

I explained to Mr. Andros the very great advantages he 
would derive from a private experiment, to convince some 
truly scientific men of the merits of Animal Magnetism, and 
enlist their influence, to bring the incredulous public to a be- 
lief of the true magnetic doctrine; and the experiment for this 
day, (21st,) was more specially intended for that purpose. 
The time was four o'clock, at my residence. There were 
present, Dr. Chilton, Dr. Ambler, Dr. Kimball, Mr. Cum- 
min, Dr. Stout, of New York; Dr. Ellet, professor of 
Chemistry in 1 Charleston (South Carolina) College; Messrs. 
Gilchrist, Mapes, Dr. Olcott, and Dr. Gautier, of Jersey 
City. The well known character and talents of the above 
named gentlemen, precludes the necessity of telling you, that 
I took especial care to say nothing to them about cerin, when 
advocating the science, so far as it conformed to my theory, 
which embraced all the phenomena except/ u clairvoyance," 
and reconciled the whole to the well known and analogous 
laws of nature ; the part of my theoiy which I dwelt most 
on, when conversing with these gentlemen, was, the fluid 
passing from the brain of the' maafnetizer to the brain of the 
somnambulist, and conveying /by the magnetic cords or 
nerves, the thoughts of the ma/gnetizer, (or one in magnetic 



9S 

communication,) to the brain of the somnambulist. I con- 
tended that the cause of common sleep was the same, and 
only differed in degree. I also expressed my firm conviction 
that the magnetic sleep was so sound, that not even the dis- 
memberment of a limb could wake them. I did not, with 
any of those gentlemen, go into details of my theory, but 
promised them, as I promised all others, to explain and write 
it out more fully at some future day. Dr. Chilton knew of 
my previous unbelief of the science, and of the bet of one 
hundred dollars with Mr. John C. Dodge, as I consulted 
him on the various means of producing irritation of the 
nerves, expressly for that occasion, and he expressed much 
surprise to see me turn round, after having seen the first ex- 
periment. I told him that I would yet convince him of the 
truth of the doctrine, and requested him, on this occasion, to 
come prepared to wake Mrs. Andres, in which I assured him 
he would be mistaken ; to som£ N of the p^sent company, I 
had said little or nothing aboufmy theory, and they were all 
unbelievers in the science, except Dr. Kimball, who had 
seen an experiment in Boston, and he -thpvrdit " there might 
be something in it." 

On this, as on all occasions, Mr. Aridros used little or no 
manipulations, and put her asleep by the " will" in about 
two minutes; he then caused her to raise the hand by " will, " 
which is usually accompanied with raising his own hand: this 
is always a proof of perfect sleep. I then remarked, gentle- 
men, she is now in magnetic sleep, and the sound ot cannon 
to her ear or cutting off a limb could not wake her ; she, 
usual, complained of light, and was blindfolded. Several 
things were put in her hand, which she held to the epigastri- 
um, most of which she told correctly the name; he ** willed" 



99 

a pencil to be a water-melon, by giving it to her, and asking 
"what is it ?" Several were put in magnetic communica- 
tion, and she gave the usual answers ; out of twenty, which 
Dr. Chilton asked her, there was one correct, viz. : " there 
9 is something looks like large glass jars in the window ," the 
other answers were incorrect; to Dr. Kimball, she answered 
more correctly ; she described " something looks like sur- 
gical instruments;" and " something looks like flowers on 
the shelj *," all other answers to him were incorrect. I ex- 
plained, by my theory, the cause of the incorrect answers; 
that they thought she could not tell, and presumed she would 
give a ivrong answer, and as their thoughts were carried by 
the magnetic cords or nerves to her brain, she must of course 
answer incorrectly. Things held at the epigastrium she told 
correctly.* Chilton, Ellet, and Mapes, now held things be- 
hind her, she answered all wrong. I explained this failure by 
my theory, the same as failing to describe furniture, but not 
one of the company seemed to believe a word of it ; some 
eyed me closely as if taking dimensions for a strait jacket. I 
sent Mr. Andros up stairs, in order to try some experiments 
of waking up. Dr. Kimball being last in magnetic commu- 
nication, I sent him to keep Andros company; for, accord- 
ing to my theory, if you frighten the magnetizer or one in 
magnetic communication, you also must frighten the somnam- 
bulist who receives all the impressions from their brains. 
No mention was made of what was to be done, and on my 
requesting Mr. A. to go up stairs, Mrs. A. requested him not 
to leave her. When Mr. A. had retired, I requested Dr. 

* The trae theory of seeing at the epigastrium is sufficiently explained in chapter V», 
where the magnetic channel is described as passing from the object to the eye between 
i lie handkerchief, cheek, and nose. If the reader has a, proboscis, he may trythe exper- 
iment on himself. 



100 

Chilton to try any experiment he chose, to awake her, in 
which I assured him he would be mistaken. A few moments 
of silence ensued, when Dr. Chilton remarked, u Mr. Du- 
rant, it is very evident to me that Mrs. Andros is not well, 
her pulse exhibits a high fever, and I am confident a little 
blood taken from her will relieve her." I remarked, I think 
it will, and you will find a bowl in that pantry; shall I get von 
some bandages, she has complained of ill health ever since 
her sea-sickness. By this time, all the gentlemen rose from 
their seats, and each one had something to say or do in the 
case. Dr. Gamier took out his lance ; I took the bandage 
from her eyes; one took hold of her hand; one said, " I would 
not take much;" " Oh a quart will not hurt;'' u where is 
the bandage ;" ;i I think a few ounces will be enough;' 3 
•• there is the bowl ;" kW I know it will relieve her." The 
whole was so seriously performed, that Mr. Cummin actually 
took hold of Chilton's arm, and said, - : Oh, doctor, I would 
not urge it any further." Chilton answered, 4i Yes — lam 
determined to bleed her." From the first word that Dr. 
Chilton spoke in relation to bleeding, Mrs. Andros began to 
say, Mr. Andros, Mr. Andros, Mr. Andres, when 
Mr. Andros? Mr. Andros, send for Mr. Andn 
with this she ju.rped from her chair, stood erect, and ci; 
as loud as persons awake, and holding a pocket handkerchief 
to her eves, still calling v " Mr. Andros, where is Mr, And- 
Oh do send for Mr. Andros, why don't Mr. Am 
By this time her cries were so loud, that it was deemed I 
to send for Mr. Andros, who came in and tried to parity her: 
she sat down with him, still holding the handkerchief to Inn- 
eyes, and sobbing aloud for nearly ten minutes, though 
uttered not a word. Mr. Andros continued to ask me it he 



101 

had not better wake her up. I replied, oh no, she has prob- 
ably been frightened at your absence, and you can quiet her 
in a few minutes while asleep. She continued sobbing, and 
he continued asking me if he should wake her, and added, 
" she is so agitated, that I don't think I can quiet her with- 
out waking her.'- 5 I then told him to wake her, which he 
did in one minute, in the usual way, but she still continued 
sobbing for five minutes or more, and wiping her eyes at the 
same time. 

Most of the gentlemen had now got their hats and were 
about to leave, without thanking me for the beautiful experi- 
ment in Animal Magnetism ; but fearing they might leave 
with rather an unfavorable impression of this interesting science^ 
I followed them to the door, and endeavored to explain the 
cause of her crying by my theory, thus : there are two way - 
to account for it by the theory, and the first is, Dr. Chilton 
was previously in magnetic communication, and although Dr. 
Kimball was afterwards in magnetic communication, yet it is 
probable that the magnetic fluid was not entirely cut off, and 
consequently the magnetic cords conveyed all his thoughts to 
her brain, and hence she must be frightened when he talks 
of bleeding her. Here some one remarked, u why did she 
not object to bleeding, or say something about bleeding, if 
she knew from his brain that he was going to bleed her ?" 
I admitted that remark to be just, and thought she should in 
in that case have said u don't bleed me," but as she did not 
say any thing about bleeding, I would account for the crying 
by my theory in another way, thus : Mr. Andros was in mag- 
netic communication, and of course she knew by the mag- 
netic cords every impression or thought on his brain ; he is 
sent up stairs away from her, and he don't know why, but he 






102 

naturally thinks it must be to try some experiment of frighi ; 
his brain conceives many things which may be doing to fright- 
en her ; all his thoughts are, by my theory, conveyed to 
her brain by the magnetic cords ; he thought something 
frightful was going on, and consequently she must think the 
same ; on the same principle, she is conscious of his ab- 
sence, and with the idea that something frightful would 
be done to her in his absence, she must naturally c 
for all the magnetic acts, by my theory, are similar to natft 
acts.* But all my explanations did not satisfy a soul of them: 
they all had a curl of contempt on the lip ; some left without 
listening to me ; Ellet said, " the whole farce, Durant, is too 
ridiculous to look at or listen to ;" Mapes said, u If I un- 
derstand your theory, Durant, it is like walking on the water, 
a thing accomplished only by having faith enough to do it." 
I succeeded to keep a few to see Mr. Andres paralyze the 
arm ; an experiment which he often performs to the entire 
satisfaction of very respectable witnesses. After this 
over, Dr. Chilton whispered to me, that he " felt the muscles 
of the arm in strong action ;" and he added, u her arm was 
no more paralyzed than mine was ;" what an ungallant man ; 
and Dr. Ellet is no better, for while her arm was paralyzed, 
he asked her to " get up ;" she replied, u I can't get up 
while my arm is so." u Why, yes you can," said Dr. 
Ambler, "if your arm was off, you could rise from 3 
chair ;" but she knew best, and remained seated until Mr. A. 
waked the arm up. So much for your scientific uwn : they 
were too incredulous to believe either the science or B03 I 

* It was a vary wise philosopher who said, " too much seasoning spoils i!i-' 
having given twv explanations on that point, I will not spoil it bj 
would "o\ordo'-' my theory with excess >f season ng 
1 > his taste. 



103 

ory, and I should not wonder if they occasionally looked at 
the insane hospital register for the name of Durant. 



CHAPTER XL 



SIXTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM AT NEW YORK. 

Interesting discussion about the bleeding — Bright prospects 
of the future — Fluid enters through wall a little before its 
time — Interesting notes about cutting off an arm. 

Tuesday, (22d 5 ) I called on Mr. and Mrs. A. at the Va- 
rick House, and after a few morning complimentary remarks, 
the conversation turned on the experiment of the preceding 
day. I asked if Mrs. A. was conscious of what had trans- 
pired during her sleep. Mr. A. explained the usual effects 
in all cases, viz.: u she never recollects any thing that has 
transpired in her sleep, unless told at the time to recollect it; 
but sometimes, when not told to recollect any thing, she will 
in a subsequent sleep relate what has transpired in a prece- 
ding one; and on returning yesterday from your house, she 
was very anxious to know what had frightened her so much, 
and I put her in another magnetic sleep to ascertain, but all 
she could recollect was, that they wanted to bleed her;" here 
Mrs. A. made a few observations, and said u I know I must 
have been much frightened , but I have now no recollection of 
what caused it; did they intend to bleed me? I never was 
bled) and I know I should faint, for I don't believe I have 
too much blood; I don't see what they should want to bleed me 
for; you should not let them do so." " La! they did not intend 
to bleed you, and if they had, you know I would not have 
allowed it; it was only to ascertain how far your mind could 



104 

be affected by external things, for you know by my theory, 
that your brain will conceive a knowledge of every thing 
which touches the magnetic cord between you and Mr. An- 
dros, and it was for that reason I sent Mr. Andros and Dr. 
Kimball up stairs, so they could not conceive any thing to be 
conveyed, but either the magnetic cord could not have been 
cut oil from Dr. Chilton, or else the inventive impressions 
on Mr. Andros' brain must have caused the fear, and I sup- 
posed by my theory, that such would be the case ;" here I 
save all the explanations which I gave in the preceding chap- 
ter, which gave such perfect satisfaction to those who heard 
it. Mrs. A. thought the last explanation must be correct, 
because, said she, u if I got the fright from the magnetic 
cord of Dr. Chilton, I should have known they were going 
to bleed me, and in such a case would have named it in my 
sleep, and have objected to it, for I believe it would bill me to 
be bled, and I would not have it done for any thing." u Well, 
what did they think of it? 93 said Mr. Andros, " did they think 
she was awake?" " Why, at first I think they did, but after I 
explained it by my theory, they seemed to be satisfied; they 
are all scientific men, and are prejudiced against any new 
science, and therefore it is very hard to make them believe, 
but my theory is based on such philosophical laws and is so 
analogous to the well known laws of nature, that they are ob- 
liged to believe it, because there is no argument that can 
overturn truth when established by facts." Here many more 
encomiums were passed by Mr. and Mrs. Andros on my 
theory. Mr. A. remarked, he had written to Provident 
describing as much of it as he understood, which was the 
fluid passing from one brain to another, and, continued be, 
u they will think you a wonderful man to find out so soon 



105 

what they have never been able to understand; Mrs. Andros 
remarked, u I wish we had been acquainted with Mr. Durant 
immediately on our arrival, and then by this time we would 
have been lecturing in public; but no, Mr. Andros must listen 
to Mr. Ewer, who tried to set us against Mr. Durant; but 
Mr. Ewer has now altered his mind, and he thinks you will 
be the best friend we can have; he is satisfied that you know 
more than all the rest about it; Mr. Ewer only wanted to 
make money out of it." "Yes," said Mr. A., u he was 
prepared to bet several hundred dollars with Mr. Dodge, 
against your waking Mrs. Andros at that time, but he is now 
satisfied that you would have won his money." " Eut how 
did you intend to wake me up?" said Mrs. Andros, u you 
never explained that." " Oh yes, I explained that to Mr. 
Andros, I should have frightened him, which would have 
broke the magnetic cord without touching you; don't you see, 
by my theory, that would have waked you up?" " Oh yes, 
now I see; don't you think Mr. Ewer tried everything to be 
sure; he let the blower fall on the hearth, and they say he 
pinched me and put feathers in my nose and ears to try to 
wake me, and he was satisfied you could not wake me, but he 
has now altered his mind, and he thinks you could." u Ha ! 
what fools; Mr. Andros should not allow them to put feathers 
in your nose and ears, no gentleman would do such things; 
why if the feather touches the drum of your ear, it might kill 
you; you see, I never even touch you with all my experi- 
ments, and yet my theory is proved as I go along." " Yes, I 
see," said Mr. Andros, u and that satisfies me, if you had 
been at the hospital when I put the woman * asleep, she 

* The day after Dodye, Ewer and myself called on Dr. Cheesman, to serve as umpire, 
he sent for Mr. Andros to try his science in putting to sleep a woman at the City Hospital, 
wJb.o was to liave an arm amputated. Mr. Andros is so sincere and honest, that b» will 



106 

would not have felt it when Dr. Cheesman cut her arm oft 
I know that I affected her some, but seeing the blood must 
have frighted me, as you say, and broke the magnetic core!: 
I have no confidence any more, unless you are present; I 
don't know why, but somehow I j»ut so much confidence in 
you, that I don't feel right to try an experiment unless you 
are present." 

Here the conversation turned on the time of commencing 

■ 

lectures, which I thought could be done in all that \v; 
as a very few more experiments would suffice for the prepa- 
ration, and in the same time, I would look out a lecture 
room, which, I remarked, ought to be very large, bee ■;. 
thousands would be anxious to pay their dollar to see it. 
Mr. A. said, "I hope you will find it convenient to assist 
me, and you shall have half of the receipts. Poyen 
anxious to have me wait until he finished at Nantucket, and 
then he would come with me and lecture together with Mrs. 
Andros ; and he take one third and I take two thirds of the 
money ; but my friends in Providence advised me to come 
alone with Mrs. Andros. Thomas Doyle, who keeps a lot- 
tery office in Providence wanted to come and lecture for 
me at a very small pay, but I thought I could do better alone. 
Mr. Ewer thinks one hundred thousand dollars could be 
made by the lectures, and that would be a fortune for boi 
us." \ told him I thought I could arrange my busi 

try any subject, you propose, as ho tJiinks he can effect them. Ah-t Andros 
ted mi her five or ten minutes, ho nsketl net if she felt am sleep, (she was ?erj 
ami dreaded the amputating experiment ;) she answered, "i don't fcn 
sleep; oh! I want to x go to steep, I feel a little different; oh ! I'll try to si 
eanpul me asteep^ 3 Dr. Cheesman waited till Mr. A., said he thoi 
h or any more,, when he cut heratmoff; but the popr won 
ral to mortals in such cases, and Cheesman had t »• 
come by invitation to see the experiment • n M 



107 

as to lecture for him, and would consent to take one half of 
the receipts, which would be at least six hundred thousand 
dollars in New York alone ; for, said I, there is a population 
of three hundred thousand souls, and each person must give 
a dollar to see it once ; when they will be so pleased, that 
they must see it again, which will make six hundred thousand 
dollars for New York alone, besides what can be made in 
other cities. This mathematical calculation was perfectly 
satisfactory, and we agreed to meet again in the afternoon to 
try another private experiment to ascertain the distance at 
which the fluid would operate. 

I called after dinner ; we went to Mr. A.'s room, and af- 
ter much preliminary conversation similar to that held in the 
morning, I wrote on paper, which I gave him, put her to 
sleep at thirty-Jive minutes past four — wake her at forty -Jive 
minutes past four — put her asleep again at five o'clock, and 
come home at half past five. We now compared watches 
and set his to correspond with mine ; (seventeen minutes 
past four.) On his leaving, she asked one or two indirect 
questions, as to how long he would be out, and what was to 
be ascertained by the experiment, but she obtained no an- 
swer that would convey an idea of what I had written. 
When he was gone a few minutes, I took out my watch and 
remarked, that as it was nearly time for him to put her asleep, 
by the paper, it would be well for her to prepare herself 
from falling, she closed her eyes, and on speaking to her 
she could not hear, as she was of course in sleep ; it was 
twenty-three minutes past four, (only twelve minutes before 
the time,) and did not awake again until his return. After a 
silence of some minutes, I said audibly, as if reading to my- 
self from the paper, " in magnetic communication ten min- 



108 

utes after; well, it is most time she should begin to hear what 
I say." I now commenced talking to her and looking at the 
watch; in about one minute she commenced answer!: 
(thirty-one minutes past four,) and frequently put her bai 
to her eves and to her forehead, and laughed immoderately, 
and repeatedly at amusing stories, which I related to her in 
the sleep. I also sent her (inspirit,) to houses at a distance, 
which she described correctly, f and continued answering all 
my questions, until Mr. A. came home, (half past five 
when I told him every thing came sufficiently near the time, 
and I expected a trifling variation by my theory, in conse- 
quence of the number of wallsj which intervene. I took 
the paper from his hand carelessly, and told him to wake her 
up, as she had had a very long sleep. On awaking, she made 
the usual inquiries, as to the correctness with which the time 
of sleeping corresponded with the paper, all of which I made 
very satisfactory, § and left with a promise to call the next 
morning. 

' The reader will recollect I did not write on the paper " put her in magnetic commu- 
nication with me;" this was caused by the magnetic cords from my audible words to her 
brain. 

1 1 presume they were correct, for I sent her to houses which I know nothing about, 
and to places where I supposed there was no house, but shefound 'em, and also found 
cnaiis, carpets, tables and looking-glasses in } em. 

J Mr. A. says he was in the barber shop of the hotel adjoining, when he put her asleep, 
and walked about the city afterwards; from the barber shop to the room is no great 
distance, but a great many walls intervene. Don't you perceive the smell of cunt 

§The reader, I trust, is also satisfied. 



CHAPTER XII. 

SEVENTH AND EIGHTH EXPERIMENTS IN ANIMAL MAGNET- 
ISM AT NEW YORK. 

Mrs. Andros in better health— -Extraordinary effect of the 
jivAd — Forced through fifty walls — Beautiful effect of the 
theory — Author wills himself in magnetic communication 
~ — Explanation— Notes which ought to be read. 

I had resolved this morning, (23d August,) to try the ef- 
fect of the fmid on cerin, but consulting with Mr. Hale about 
it, he rather damped my sanguine hopes of success, for he 
thought the success impossible under all the advantages yet 
gained in Mr. and Mrs. A.'s confidence, and a most doubt- 
ful case of success under any circumstance; I therefore 
concluded to defer it for one or two days, and during the in- 
terval to fasten a few more shores on my theory to brace it 
against the approaching gale. 

On meeting Mr. and Mrs. Andros at the Varick House, 
she expressed much impatience at the tardiness in preparing 
for public lectures, and said if something was not done very 
soon she would go home. She -had been ill ever since her 
arrival in New York, and I told her that scolding was an ex- 
cellent symptom of convalescence. I explained the necessity 
of trying a few more private experiments, so I could become 
perfectly acquainted with her powers, in order to convince 
the incredulous public of the truth and beauty of Animal Mag- 
netism. I added, three days more will be sufficient, and by 
that time, I will find a suitable room for the lectures, and pre- 
pare a room for you and Mr. Andros at my house, where 
you will be much more comfortable than at the Hotel. That 



no 

was very satisfactory; she remarked, " I don't like the ho- 
tel, the hours of eating are so different from those I am ac- 
customed to, and I would like it much better at your house 
in Jersey City, where I should feel more at home." I now 
proposed an experiment similar to that of the preceding day, 
and for him to go a great distance off; for instance, "go 
down to Mr. Hale's reading room, and amuse yourself with 
the papers." I wrote on paper, put her to sleep at tea 
minutes past ten o'clock, and wake her at twenty minutes past 
ten; pat her to sleep again at half past ten, and come home 
at eleven. We compared watches, (five minutes of ten.) 
She tried by various questions, to ascertain how long Mr. A. 
was to be out; according to my theory, of course, she must 
not know, and that was satisfactory. She fell asleep at fif- 
teen minutes past ten, (only five minutes after the time des- 
ignated on paper,) and she did not wake up until Mr. Andros 
came home; she commenced answering me at twenty-five min- 
utes past ten, and continued to do so throughout the sleep. 

I told her some amusing stories, which caused her to laugh 
loudly and rub her eyes. I sent her (in spirit) to a house in 
Newark, which she described as having three rooms in a row 
on the lower floor; " the rear one is a kitchen." " Well, 
how do they light the centre room ?" " The windows are 
in the side of the house;" * all of which were very correct ; 
and Mr. A. returned at eleven o'clock, much delighted, when I 
told him (as I took the memorandum from his hand) that the 
time was more correct than on yesterday. I asked, if be 
put her in magnetic communication with me ? he replied, 

II no ;" and was a little astonished, when I told him she an- 

• I prosumr this was correct, because invisible eyes can see best. 1 i . k a 

house myself. 

G 



Ill 

swered my questions; but I explained it according to my the- 
ory, very satisfactorily, thus : u I know the direction of 
Hale's news room, and as I put my head between Mrs. A* 
and the room, the magnetic current must pass through my 
brain before- it reaches her, and consequently places me in 
magnetic communication ;" * this reconciled all, and I left, 
after proposing an experiment the following day, to gratify and 
interest a particular friend in Brooklyn, who would be of 
much service to the cause, by his extensive influence with 
the large population of that city. 

I called again, at one o'clock, with Mr. Hale, and re- 
marked to Mr. and Mrs;. Andros, that as I had a half hour's 
leisure, I wished Mr. Hale to see the experiment tried in 
the morning. Mr. Hale was always considered a convert 
like myself, and a particular friend to the parties and science 
since his conversion. 

I wrote on paper, put Mrs. Andros asleep at thirty-five 
minutes past one, and come in at forty minutes prst one, do 
not put her in magnetic communication with me, nor allow 
her to hear any thing that is said. We compared time, 
twenty minutes past one, and I told him audibly, go in the 
next room, as it will only require five minutes to show Mr. 
Hale the experiment tried this morning; at twenty-two min* 
utes past one,f (two minutes after he left,) Mrs. Andros was 
asleep, and would not answer words addressed to her. Mr. 
Hale and myself now commenced a philosophical conversa- 
tion about the magnetic science. We spoke of the profound- 
ness of the sleep, and the certainty that Mrs. Andros could 

* I presume the reader by this lime has sufficient science to understand the true theo 
13 without more explanation in this case. There are at least/i/ty brick walls between 
Xl lie's news room and the Varick House^-a very perceptible smell of cerin. 

1 'Only thirteen minutes before the time designated on th« paper. 



112 

not then hear what we were talking about, because she was 
not in magnetic communication with us. I spoke to her se- 
veral times, but she gave no- answer, and, indeed, how could 
she answer in a magnetic sleep ? Mr. Hale now remarked, 
"you know, Mr. Durant, that according to the paper, you 
was to be put in magnetic communication with her in four 
minutes after she fell asleep, and you see the four minutes 
have most expired." I remarked, "oh no, it wants nearly' 
a minute of the time, yet;" and in a few seconds, I said, 
" well, the time is up, I will see if she Will answer me." I 
spoke to her, and she commenced talking.* 

Mr. Hale exhibited to me (so she could not see) a hand- 
kerchief rolled up in his hand. I asked her " what has Mr. 
Hale got in his hand ?" She answered, " a knife, it looks 
dark." I waited a few seconds, and. she ' continued, " it 
looks dark, it looks like a comb." "Yes, that is correct." 
Mr. Hale now said, " see- if she can see this pencil" (hold- 
ing a pencil up before her,) " in my hand." I asked what 
Mrl Hale had in his hand ; " a pencil, it looks dark, but it 
looks like a pencil, "f I told Mr. Hale audibly, " see now, 
if I can will this knife to be a water-melon." I gave her 
the knife, and said, "taste it, Mrs. Andros, and tell me 
what it is." She put it to her mouth, and said, " It is a 
water-melon." I now said, " see if I can will it to be a 
sour apple; taste it again, Mrs. Andros, what is it now ? n 
she put it to her lips, made a wry face, spit, and said, " it 
is a soar apple." I also willed it to be an orange, &c, all 
of which she answered correctly 4 Mr. Hale remarked, v * ; 

* The reader will recolleot, do nut put hi r in magnetic communi ca tion 

t The magnetic fluid here came both to her ears ami eyes, for Bl 
and I observed the eye-lids open gently to admit the fluid 

X In all those cases, the fluid enters at the ears, which, from their peeoJUr formation 
are very sensitive. For this wise provision of Nature, we should he very thankful 



/ 113 

most time, by the paper, that the magnetic communication should 
be cut off." I answered, " yes, in a few seconds, but I will 
continue to talk to her, to see if he effects it at the moment.' ' 
She ceased answering my questions at thirty -three minutes 
past one. Mr. Hale remarked, u it is most time that you 
was to wake her up." I replied, u it wants nearly a min- 
ute yet, you see it is only thirty-four minutes now, and I was 
not to wake her until thirty-five minutes past one." I soon 
commenced throwing off the fluid, by the usual manipulations 
with the hands, and she awoke at thirty-six minutes past one 
o 'clock. * Mr. Andros came in the room in four or five 
minutes after, and though at first surprised, was soon delight- 
ed, when I explained, how by my theory, I had made her an- 
swer me, and u willed" the knife to be a water-melon, ap- 
ple, &c, and how I had waked her contrary to his u will." 
They both seemed more and more delighted with the the- 
ory, and after some little conversation on the arrangements 
necessary for commencing lectures, I left them, with a pro- 
mise to see further about a lecture room, and to call on the 
morrow. 

without the ears, the inagnetizer might "will" all his brains through the magnet- 
ic cords to the somnambulist, without transforming a knife into •<. delicious melon. For 
tetter theory, vide notes to Chaptfr XIII. 

* The time " honest folks should be asleep ;" but " new fashions makes women crazy, 
and turns the world up. id : down." 



CHAPTER XIII. 

NINTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM AT NEW 

YORK. 

•Mrs. Jlndros describes furniture in the city, and in Brook- 
lyn — Gets in the wrong house — Gets out again — Beau- 
tiful effect of the u will" — Theory more firmly establish- 
ed — Notes of importance, ichichare well ic or th the trouble 
of reading. 

The experiment of this morning, (August 24th,) was 
merely intended to gratify a friend, Mr. Lounsberry, of Brook- 
lyn, to whom, as to all others, I communicated my theory, 
(except the part relating to cerin,) and contended that Ani- 
mal Magnetism was founded on fact; but he, like many oth- 
ers, would not believe the marvellous attributes of the science, 
and came to be convined, (as I assured him he would be,) 
of the truth of the doctrine. Mr. Cummin,* of New York, 
was also present, and the experiment was in Mr. A.'s pri- 
vate room. 

She w 7 as put to sleep in the usual time, and Mr. Cummin, 
in magnetic communication, sent her (in spirit) to his re- 
sidence in Waverly Place, describing the doors and furniture. 
Mr. C. remarked, u that is incorrect." Mr. A. remarked 
"then perhaps she is in the wrong house." Mr. C. then told 
her to go out of doors and look at the house, which he de- 
scribed by number and stone basement, &c. She went in 
and described many things correctly, such as carpet, chairs, 

* Mr. Cummin is one of the gentlemen named in Chapter X. He remarked •<> the 
others, when crossing the ferry, after seeing the experiment of bleeding, M j 
woman cheats the man." You may know (Tom such an ongaHanl remark, that bt is a 
bachelor. I don't know what encomiums were pasted between them on Mr \ 

myself. 



115 

tables and glass, but other things Mr. C. occasionally remark- 
ed, " are incorrect." " Then I must be in the wrong room," 
said Mrs. Andros, and after recommencing several times, 
she finished a very accurate * description of the premises. 
Mr. Lounsberry was next in magnetic communication, and 
sent her (in spirit) to his residence in Nassau street, Brook- 
lyn. He described to her his house, by street, number, (109) 
yard in front; she answered, u well I am there,''' and describ- 
ed carpet, chairs, &c; but on Mr. L. remarking some things 
incorrect, she said u perhaps I am not in the right house;" 
here a new description of the external appearance of the house 
enabled her to get in the right one, w 7 here she saw 7 u some- 
thing dark, looks like chairs; a sofa on that side of the room; 
a table in the centre," <$fc., and all very correct; in the kitch- 
en was u something dark, looks like a grate, I can't see very 
well; yes, I see a black ivoman there, &c, all very correct, f 
I explained the cause of failing to tell correctly sometimes 
by my theory, which, you know, does not admit of a . clair- 
voyance," but accounts for the supposed seeing by the magne- 
tic fluid conveying the knowledge of the one in magnetic com- 
munication to the somnambulist; who must, of course, receive 
as w r ell, all incorrect impressions, which are formed by thinking 
of too many things at a time, or by strongly impressing on your 
mind an idea that the somnambulist cannot tell correctly. The 
gentlemen expressed themselves satisfied, and indeed who would 
not be satisfied with such a beautiful experiment and lucid ex- 

* On retiring-, Mr. Cummin told me, he thought the whole "a ridiculous piece of non" 
sense;" and he added, "almost any body couldguess as well or better than she does." 
What an incredulous man. 

1 1 met Mr. Lounsberry a short lime afterwards and I found he was as incredulous as 
ev er ; he said " It was very bad guessing, and I felt really ashamed of myself, to be seen 
in such a little affair. — I wonder how you, Durant, can have patience to spend your time: 
with it " There is no accounting for tastes by my theory, except the tasting of water 
melon from a pencil, or lemonade from an empty glass. 



116 

planatiom All the magnetic somnambulists who possess clair- 
voyance, frequently get in the wrong house or wrong room; and 
this they are sensible of, and will make it known to you, if you 
tell them the answers or descriptions are not correct ; in fact, 
all professors say, " a perfect description of the things is the 
only proof we have that the somnambulist has found the right 
place ; whenever the answers or descriptions are incorrect, 
we then know they are in the tcrcng place, and inform them 
of the error by words ;* so they may leave that to find the 
right place ;" words agitate the air more than u in//," and 
consequently cause a more sudden vibration of the magnetic 
cord which conveys the impression or u thought" to the brain 
of the somnambulist. 

Mr. Andros also w T illed a pencil to be a water-melon ; 
such experiments are attendant on almost every exhibition ; 
he usually whispers to you, "I will make her believe this 
pencil is a water-melon';" lie now commences by holding the 
pencil in both hands the same as if it was a water-melon, and 
strongly impresses on his own mind that it is such ; he now 
lays it in both her hands, held out to receive it J he says, 
4; taste it ;" she puts it to her mouth ; u well, what is it ? M 
u a water-mclai]" he says, u eat it ;" she now commences 
moving la maclwire, precisely as if she was eating a water- 
melon, and with the fingers, she motions as if taki 
seeds out. She asked for water, when he gave he* an em 
tumbler ; " taste it ;" she put it to her lips and gpits ; 
what is it ?" " lemonade ;" u yes ;" " tas in, and 

tell us what it is now ? " panel}. " u Yes, I most 

*The "m>i7/" is not strong enough to convey thisintel 
therefore words must be, used; in fact, words in mpsi 
11 trilP to "convey the thoughts" to the somnambulist. l>r. Capron 
to correct errors on the mind of the Bomnambi 

Potter and professor Grant ; tlioy all find the "will" in.i (equate in i 



117 

succeed with these experiments^ though I do fail sometimes " 
said Mr. Andros ; and he continued, M I sometimes magnet- 
ize water so strongly with my wil% that I make her believe it 
is medicine, and it actually causes her at times to vomit and 
purge ; many gentlemen frequently write on paper what they 
wish me to will it, and I most always succeed ; suppose one 
of the gentlemen write something which they wish me to 
make it ;" here was written and presented to him, u will it to 
be water ;" he took the tumbler from her and held it a few 
moments in his own hand, to impress the glass strongly with 
water ; he gave it to her to taste ; she puts it to her lips and 
spits ; u well, what is it ? w u it tastes like brandy ;" well, it 
is singular I should fail in that ; she is not very well now^ 
and when she is not well, she can't tell half so good ; taste 
again, Amelia, and see if you can't tell me what it is ?" she 
makes a wry face and spits ; u well, what does it taste like ?'* 
u it tastes like vinegar ;" u no ; ah ! she is not well to- 
day, and I thought she would not succeed very well, but it 
is singular, I have done that over and over again for hundreds 
of gentlemen, and I very seldom fail." I explained this fail- 
ure, thus : Gentlemen, the fact is, health is a very important 
thing, but that is not the entire cause of the failure. In these 
cases, according to my theory, the mind of the magnetizer 
must conceive the object or thing, before he can transmit it 
by the magnetic nerves ; and sometimes when he tries to be- 
lieve air is water, something else, such as punch or vinegar, 
unavoidably comes uppermost on his mind, and is so carried 
by the magnetic cords to her brain ; for you see by my the- 
ory, that she can have no knowledge except what is derived 
from the brain of the person in magnetic communication.* 

* The true theory of this is very easily explained. The somnambulist is by t\)e magne- 
li/.er^ seriously supposed to b3 asleep, arrl totally insensible to every thing said iu the 



118 



If I had time to explain all the theory, (which I intend to do 
when more at leisure,) I could make that part perfectly clear 
to your minds. All present were satisfied, or at least seemed 
so ; though when some of them were out of the influence of 
my theory, they hinted some dissatisfaction, as you may per- 
ceive by the notes hereunto appended ; but that is not my 
fault, nor yet the fault of my theory, for I cannot be alwavs 
with every body to explain the cause and effect of things ; 
and it is a weil known saying, u out of sight, out of mind," 
and not less true than the familiar proverb, " when the old 
cat is gone the kittens are at play." 

Mr. Andros also paralyzed her right arm in the usual wav, 

room. In the first place, she has heard of or probably seen such things done by others ; 
he is anxious to know if he can succeed with her, and talks it over to the company ; she 
isfeigning sleep, and hears, and generally sees every thing that is done; he says audibly. 
" I will try to ' will' this knife or pencil to be a water-melon/' he honestly thinks, he must 
impress it firmly on his mind that it is a water-melon, and the better to enable hin. to d i 
so, he holds it in both hands, as if it was heavy ; she receives it, and of course, says (i it m 
a water-melon,"- because she heard him or others say, ll will it to be a water-melon. ,; The 
experiment is next tried on her, when she is blindfolded. She has her ears and eyes 
open, and sees between the handkerchief and face (see chapter V.) all objects held at the 
epigastrium ; or if she leans the head back, she can see some distance, and if she sees or 
feels the object coming from two hands, it must be a, water-melon ; if you write on paper, 
hold this pencil in both hands and will it to be lemonade, she will answer incorrectly 
and probably say it is a water-melon. 

The same rule holds good, with willing water to be lemonade : it is first presented by 
one hand, aud consequently, when she thereafter lb blindfolded and receives a izlass with 
one hand, it must belemonade. If you now write, will it to be water, she will probably 
answer incorrectly, for she is not shrewd enough to suppose you would write such a sim- 
ple thing as water. When the magnetizer intends to will any thing, such as the "hand 
to raise," there is always a silence of some seconds, and if her eyes are de- 
means something, and she guesses (if her eyes are closed) it must be to raise £h< 
or receive something, and she answers accordingly, though not always coin it. and 
does not guess right, once in three times — such is the case with ad BOmoambuhl 
Providence. 

The toagnetizersare so infatuated, and so implicitly do they beliefs shs ii isleepi and 
insensible to all sound, that they frequently say audibly, " note 1 \ 
believe //»»*• it medicine ;" she takes it and answers accordingly - e\ -n mors, I ha\ < 
that done in the presence of a dozen men, who profess and are acknow.ll ssess 

common sensk, yet could not see it, and really believed slo. - rnatu" 

ral power, 



119 

when she is awake, by directing the u will" forcibly on it to 
carry a stream of magnetic fluid through from the fingers to 
the elbow. She then has the use of all the system except 
that part which is so benumbed, that, if cut off, she could not 
feel it ; neither is she able to move it until Mr. A., by his 
u will," releases it. Mr. A. requested Mr. Lounsberry to 
write on paper, any finger he wished him to release, stating 
at the same time, u I sometimes fail m this as in other ex- 
periments, but most generally I succeed." Mr. Lounsber- 
ry wrote u thumb." Mr. A. threw his will into the thumb 
by directing his eyes steadily on it, in a few seconds she be- 
gan to move the thumb; u very correct;" now, said Mr. An- 
dros, try another, he wrote' u little finger ;" he directed his 
will on it, and soon the little finger* began to move ; u well 
done, you succeed well at this time, at any rate ; try an- 
other," said Mr. Andros ; Mr. Lounsberry wrote the name 
of another ; Mr. Andros directed his u will" on it, but the 
wrong one came up ; Mr. Andros said it would happen so 
sometimes, and requested Mr. L. to name one of the remain- 
ing two, he did, and the wrong one was released; cc well, that 
is singular," said Mr. Andros, who continued, cc for most 
generally I succeed with nearly all : at my house in Provi- 
dence one evening, I tried it by request of Mr. Hartshorn, 
for a number of gentlemen from Boston and Philadelphia, 
and I only failed with one finger." At this time he only fail- 
ed with two fingers, and yet my incredulous friend Lounsber- 
ry told me afterwards, he " did not think that was even good 

" In these experiments Mr. A. sits very close, and with the most sincere- and implicit 
confidence in his willing or flnidjeal power, he directs the eye on the particular fin- 
der in'ended to be released. V>y observing the direction of his eye. (which she always 
does in flu > experiment,) she can guess very nearly the one to be released, particularly 
if it is anouisidefimier, as I always observed Lis whole face directed to the. side of the- 
hand where the fortunate, ringer was fastened. 



120 

guessing. 55 I do not hesitate to say, that if he ever walks 
on the water, it will not be by u faith alone." 



CHAPTER XIV. 

TENTH AND MOST IMPORTANT EXPERIMENT IX ANIMAL 
MAGNETISM AT NEW YORK. 

Cerin produces the most wonderful effects by culling off the 
magnetic fluid — Ccmse why — -Theory permanently estab- 
lished against all opposition — Most ready for a lecture. 

This afternoon, (Thursday, 24th August, 1837,) was 
form an important era in the history of Animal Magnetism ; 
this was to be the grand experiment to prove the soundness 
of my theory, and establish the science on a basis too firm 
to be overturned by any combined opposition, and too beau- 
tiful and attracting to remain longer unobserved or nnadmired 
by the sceptical world. I had spent many tedious hours, 
u consumed the midnight oil, 5 ' and ransacked my brain to 
find analogous materials in the workshop of nature tostrength- 
en my favorite theory against the force of the sceptical 
storm. 

I called immediately after dinner, and meeting Mr. and 
Mrs. Andros in the parlor, I proposed we should retire to 
his private room to see the most beautiful of all the magoi 
experiments hitherto attempted, and one which it\ 

conviction to the most stubborn unbelievers of the s 
On entering the private room, I said to them, " i 
great that I can scarcely find words to express it ; 1 i 
thought of an experiment that must place the truth 
ory beyond the possibility of doubt, but in on 
most effectually, it will be necessary to keep its iraj 



121 

from the mind of Mr. Andros in the first trial, and then see 
the effect again, when I have impressed the whole on his 
brain. It will be necessary that you should go out and put 
Mrs. A. asleep by time, the same as you have done several 
times before ; this course will be necessary to ensure success 
to the experiment, and then we will be prepared at once to 
commence the public lectures, against the opposition of all 
the remaining sceptics in the world ; for this will enable me 
to prove most conclusively the truth and validity of my the- 
ory. I then wrote on a paper, which I gave him, put Mrs. 
Andros to sleep at thirty minutes past four ; ivake her at 
forty minutes past four ; put her to sleep again at five r and 
come home at half past five o'clock ; do not allow her to hear 
any thing that I may say. We compared time by our 
watches, (twelve minutes past four,) and I told him to go to 
the same place, (Hale's reading room,) to which he went 
the preceding day, and amuse himself with reading the papers. 
When Mr. A. had retired, I said to Mrs. Andros, u it is 
only necessary to keep the intended experiment from the 
mind of Mr. Andros, as it can have no effect on your mind, 
by my theory, and as it is such a beautiful thing, I will ex- 
plain it to you : you recollect my showing you the common 
magnets at my house, and hovv by repulsion and attraction, 
I proved there was a fluid funning through them ; also, when 
I dipped the ends in steel filings and put them together, how 
the steel was interlaced when the current was continued, by 
bringing the South and North Poles together, and how the 
steel was repelled when the two North Poles came together, 
proving there were two currents of fluid meeting together 
from opposite directions ; and you also recollect, how I show- 
ed you that the fluid passed through gkss, wood, metals 



122 



and stone, and you know by my theory, the magnetic sleep 
is produced by this same fluid passing from the brain of the 
mcgnetizer to the brain of the somnambulist ; and von 
see, Mr. Andros sends the fluid into your brain, through 
walls, wood, and glass, the same as magnets send it through 
the same materials, only not quite to such a great distance. 
All scientific men to whom I have explained my theory, ad- 
mit that it is founded on the analogous laws of the universe, 
but they are so unwilling to believe it, that they say, ' prove 
to us Durant, that there is a fluid passing from the magneti- 
zer to the magnetized. 5 Such a request is very reasonable, 
but it never before occurred to me, how I could prove it to 
their satisfaction ; but I have got the idea now, and it is this : 
The fluid in common magnets, passes through all things 
known to the scientific world, except cerin, an animal fat 
which was discovered in a graveyard, where dead bodies had 
been buried many years, and if the fluid between common 
magnets will pass through all substances except cerin, it 
must follow by my theory, that the magnetic fluid between 
two persons must pass through all substances except cerin. 
Now you know, it has put you to sleep, when it passed 
through two partitions at my house ; Mr. Andros also put 
you to sleep in this room, when he was in the barber's shop ; 
and you know that yesterday, when he was at Mr. Hale's 
reading room, the fluid passed through fifty or a hundred walls 
and put you to sleep in this room ; now, so far, it is similar 
to the common magnet, but to be perfectly analogous, the 
fluid must be cut off when cerin is held between the mag- 
netizer and the person to be magnetized ; for as the globules 
of which cerin is composed are so soft as to mash together, 
and prevent the passage of the common magnetic fluid, so 



123 

they should prevent the passage of the same fluid between the 
animal magnets ; and consequently, if cerin is held beween 
you and Mr. Andros, he cannot put you to sleep. Don't you 
see what a beautiful thing this will be to prove my theory, 
which is built on a magnetic fluid, and must therefore prove 
the truth of Animal Magnetism beyond the possibility of 
doubt. Cerin can be dissolved, and scientific men then sat- 
urate wood, cloth, and paper with it, so as to answer all pur- 
poses in the common magnetical experiments. You see this 
sheet of common tissue paper, look through it — -how very 
thin and porous, and yet it is saturated with cerin, and to- 
tally prevents any attraction by common magnets when held 
between them ; hence, it must cut oft and prevent any pas- 
sage of the magnetic fluid between Mr. Andros and yourself; 
and consequently, (although he may try his best,) he cannot 
put you to sleep. Now if this succeeds, you see how I will 
be able to prove to scientific men, that it is the fluid which 
produces the magnetic sleep. I am certain it will succeed, 
and if it fails, I will give up all pretensions to a knowledge of 
science hereafter. I have sent Mr. Andros to Mr. Hale's 
reading room, and written on paper the time when he should 
put you to sleep ; but see how astonished he will be when 
he comes home, to find you awake by such a simple yet 
scientific contrivance ; you recollect the experiment at my 
house to prove the Pole of the animal magnet was in the 
eye, therefore, all that will be necessary in this case, is for 
you to recline the head a little so that I can lay the cerin pa- 
per over your face and eyes, by which means the fluid from 
Mr. Andros will be thrown off the moment it strikes the 
paper " 

Mrs. Andros was pleased with my remarks, and I placed 
the sheet of paper over her face. I continued addressing her 



124 

on the natnie of cerin, and the advantages this experin: 
would give us, in confounding the unbelievers of Animal 
Magnetism, until thirty-eight minutes past four, when I asked 
her if she had felt sleepy. She answered " ?io, I have not felt 
the least effect of sleep or drowsiness." I now showed her 
a true copy of the paper which I had given to Mr. Audi 
by which she would have been asleep eight minutes before, 
if the paper cf cerin had not been over her face; and I re- 
marked to her, cc you see he is to put you asleep by the 
per, .also, at five o'clock; but you see if he don't fail in I 
too; if you feel sleepy at any time, I wish you to say so." 

I continued discoursing with her on the subject cf the t 
and lectures, and also on the subject of furnishing her and 
Mr. Andres a room in my hcuse, where they would be much 
more comfortable than at the Hotel ; all of which she was 
much pleased with, and continued awake, and conversing un- 
til Mr. Andros arrived at half past five o'clock. I was in eesta- 
cy at. the success of the experiment, and on giving him the same 
explanation that I had made to Mrs. A., he seemed as much 
delighted as myself. I remarked, that we should now try it 
in the room, to be more sure, as the great distance from the 
reading room might have lessened the force of the fluid. 
He commenced the trial, while I held the paper before her 
face, and he continued fo%ir limes as long as is necessarv to 
produce sleep without producing any effect, and said it 
no use to try any longer, for he was satisfied that the CBRIH 
cut off all influence of the fluid from him; and all were de- 
lighted at the success of the experiment. Nothing could now 
delay the lectures, and an immense fortune would soon be 
acquired by both of us. I remarked, that Mr. Hale should 
know the success of the beautiful experiment, as he had Si 
all the other important parts of the theory tested, and would 



125 

be of much assistance in the lectures: it was agreed that he 
should see it forthwith, and Mr. A. and myself left the room 
to call on him. At the parlor door we met Mr. Peter F, 
Ewer, and told him that I would return in a few minutes 
with Mr. Hale, and show him the most beautiful of all the 
magnetic experiments; he promised to be there on my re- 
turn, to witness it. Mr. A. remained with Mr. Ewer, while 
I went to invite Mr. Hale, whom I found at the reading 
room, and on saying to him u well, Hale, the cerin 
succeeded, and my theory is triumphant," he clapped his 
hands in great joy, and burst into a loud laugh, (very un- 
mannerly, indeed, in my presence,) and so immoderate was 
it, that he was obliged to lean against the w 7 all to sustain 
himself. I never like to copy bad examples, or laugh in a 
person's face, but somehow, the magnetic ccrcls between Mr. 
Hale and myself touched the sympathetic nerves of the brain, 
which so overcame me, that I was from necessity obliged to 
lean against the wall to assist my North Pole in sustaining 
the system; indeed, a clean carpet to roll on, I think, would 
have been a great relief to quiet the pain in my side. When 
we recovered sufficient to walk, we started for the Varick 
House, where we met Mr. Ewer and his lady in the hall, 
about to leave for the evening. He said, " Mr. Andros has 
tried to explain that experiment to me, but I don't under- 
stand it; he says you have got something that cuts off the 
fluid, and prevents putting her to sleep ; I am engaged out 
this evening, but I will see it to-morrow." On leaving him, 
Mr. Hale and myself went up stairs to Mr. Andros' room to 
try the beautiful experiment with cerin for Mr. Hale. I pro- 
posed that Mr. A. should first put her to sleep, to ascertain if 
his magnetic power was at all diminished. He was seated 
within about five feet of Mrs. Andros, and Mr. Hale held the 



126 

watchj to ascertain the time required to put her asleep ; it 
was a little short of a minute, proving his magnetic power as 
strong as ever. I now requested him to wake her up, which 
he did. I now held the cerin paper before her face, and told 
him to put her asleep ; he tried for seven minutes, and did 
not produce the least drowsiness. She said," he does not 
affect me in the least." 

The plate which accompanies this work, is intended to con- 
vey a more perfect idea of this beautiful experiment, which 
must settle forever the truth of Animal Magnetism, and 
tablish beyond the possibility of doubt my philosophical the- 
ory, which is thus proved to be based on the broad and cer- 
tain foundation of the natural laws that have been known to 
man since the discovery of loadstone, and which have been 
felt on our race since the creation of Eve. In the plate, 
(see frontispiece,) Mrs. Andros is represented sitting in the 
rocking chair, and the modest discoverer of the theory hold- 
ing the cerin paper before her ; professor Andros is repre- 
sented in the usual position, trying to u will" Mrs. A. in 
magnetic sleep; the magnetic fluid is represented bylines 
coming from his eyes (North Pole,) to her eyes, and intp* 
cepted in its course by the cerin, which breaks tne inaghei 
ic cord, and scatters the fluid in the room to recombine witn 
the atmosphere from w T hence it was u willed" through to the 
South Pole (feet) of the professor. cc This exquisite engra 
ving was executed at great expense, expressly for this work. " 
It is engraved by Adams, from a drawing by Chapman, 
and designed by the Author. 

Mr. A. remarked, u it is no use to try any more ; i | 

been long enough to have put her asleep half a dozen tin* 

and I have tried so hard, that it makes mv head ache; 1 air 

H 



127 

perfectly satisfied that I can't put her to sleep with that be- 
tween us." 

All were now in ecstacy at the success of this experiment^ ~ 
which would leave no difficulty in the way of con^kcing sci- 
entific men of the truth of this interesting sciences Mr. A. , 
remarked, that he had not been able to explain the nature of 
the experiment to Mr. Ewer, because he forgot the name of 
the article.in the paper. I replied;, u I am glad of it, because- 
after more thought,! think- it will be best to keep -this secrete 
between us four, until we commence the lectures. If We tell 
Mr. E^er, he will, tell Mr, Dodge, and then all Providence 
will know it before we are ^ready to useitofor our own advan- 
tage; so let it now be fairly understood, that we are to tell a 
nobody of this for the present; it is not right that we should be 
at so much trouble to find ouUhings, and have othfersto make 
an improper use of it before we get ready to lefcture. , If Mr. 
Ewer asks you, Mr* Andros, any thing about it, tell hinfryou - 
don't understand it well enough to explain it. And tell him .' 
further, that I want to try some more experiments, to have 
it perfect before we show it to others. I have no desire to 
have Mr. Ewer* know any thing about it yet; it will be time 
enough for him to know when we commence lectures. I 
am sorry we said any thing to him about it, though he cannot 
know much frftm what>has already been said to him, and he * 
may easily bevput off in thd manner I described to you ^'T 

— ~ - U . _ „J , — 

*,Mt, Ewer, although a believer in Animal Magnetism, is nevertheless, a very intelligent i 
man, and if I spoke to him of ce.rin or any thing else' cutting -off the attraction of magneto 
he would have discovered at once *he duplicity, aneUtfieh I should have been obliged 
to give up any further experiments, oi> let him in the secret, which I now was not willing < 
to do-; because I hadfelready concaved the idea of carrying out the game with thtf Tro- • 
vidence somnambulists, whom, through Dodge andEwenj might learn something about •' 
certm, and explode the whole- theory, which otherwise was made up of matter sufficiently y 
analogous fc& known laws, to withstand even! a'tolerab^&rgumentfrom a mauipdssassing .>; 
science., . 



128 

Mr. and Mrs. Andros seemed much pleased with the idea of 
keeping it to ourselves; and Mr. A. remarked, u Ewer will 
ask me about it in the morning, for he was very anxious to 
know; he said he knew it must be of great importance, for 
Durant looked so pleased." 

Mrs. Andros urged the necessity of having the editors to 
see an experiment on the morrow, and then commence 
at once with the lectures. She had always been very impa- 
tient, and once or twice said, if the lectures were not very 
soon commenced, she would go home. It was with some 
difficulty that I could, from time to time, find excuses for the 
delay; and among other things I had said, it was necessary 
first, to interest some scientific and influential men, and then 
invite the editors, to make it known to the public. I now 
promised to call in the morning :6 arrange the time for re- 
ceiving the editors, and go with Mr. A. to look for a lecture 
room. Mr. Hale and myself then bid them goodnight-, and 
retired. 



bS 



CHAPTER XV. 

FIRST LECTURE ON ANIMAL MAGNETISM BY THE AUTHOR. 

Philosophical reasoning on the incidents connected with events 
— Mrs. Andros gGes to Providence — Important disclo- 
sures made to Mr. Andros — Magnetic sleep shown to be 
no sleep at all — Plans of great promise for the future. 

Great discoveries, like u misfortunes, seldom come alone," 
and two circumstances seems necessary to complete any im- 
portant event. All nature seems to move by two's ; we have 
two ears, and two hands ; u day succeeds night," and " sun- 
shine succeeds storm;" so in the magnetic science, every thing 
seems to go in two's ; it takes two to make a somnambu- 
list, one to u will" and the other to sleep, one to ask ques- 
tions and the other to answer them, one to write and seal 
letters and the other to read them, one experiment to prove 
sleep and the other to show the cause, one experiment to 
prove the fluid can't be cut off and the other to show you 
can cut its head off ; and having made known one such 
discovery, it is necessary to make known another; in dis- 
closing the effect of cerin, one party was overjoyed, and I 
feared in disclosing the cause, the other party would be over- 
powered. A river is formed by accumulation, and flows 
quietly on in the time-worn channel, when the same mighty 
mass, if suddenly turned loose from the fountains, would have 
inundated the brook, and overpowered and uprooted in its 
course, the organized forms which for ages had braved the 
fluid of storm. I feared to make the new discovery known 
to Mrs. Andros, lest the natural weakness of woman would 
be overpowered under the excitement of surprise, and I fear- 
de to disclose all to Mr. Andros, while she was near to scan 



130 

with her invisible eyes the emotions that would be produced 
on her husband, in making known to him the most beautiful 
discovery in the science ; I therefore resolved to send her 
to Providence, and communicate to him alone the appendix 
to my lucid theory of Animal Magnetism. 

I called in the morning, (25th August,) and told them it 
would be impossible to commence exhibitions short of a 
week ; that I wanted time to write out the lectures and pro- 
cure a suitable room ; and in order to make a permament 
commencement, I thought it would be best for Mrs. Andros 
to go home for that time ; because, while here, many friends 
were anxious to see experiments, which only consumed the 
time necessary for our preparation, and in her absence I could 
arrange a 'room at my house to accommodate them on her re- 
turn ; this was readily acceded to by Mr. Andros, but she 
only complied after shedding a profusion of tears. * It 
•decided that she should leave that afternoon in the steam- 
boat Narragansett, for Providence, as things seemed most fa- 
vorable for the departure that day. CoL Cady, an intimate 
friend of the family, was going that day, and offered to take 
charge of Mrs. Andros ; besides, Capt. Childs was an inti- 
mate friend, arid: offered to take his niece as company for Mrs. 
A. on the voyage. She left at five in the afternoon, and Mr. 
Andros engaged to call at my residence the following morn- 
ings to discuss with me the arrangements necessary for die 
lectures. 

He called according to appointment, and after much con- 
versation about the science generally, and the Providence 
somnambulists in particular, we repaired to an upper and more 



•I think that Mrs. Androg suspoot.'it my real tottationa, and ittch Boradi 

cause of her tears. 



131 

private room, where I opened to him the following discourse. 
I have much to say to you, Mr. Andros, and desire you 
will hear me patiently before you make any reply ; it is a 
subject that may, and unquestionably must, cause you great 
surprise and agitation, and induce you at first to suppose me 
an enemy to you ; but when you have heard me through, I 
know you will thank me for that which I have done, and 
not only will you justify my conduct, but you will be more 
than ever convinced of my friendship towards you. I am 
and have been continually aware of my deep responsibility 
to your friends and yourself. I promised Mr. Dodge and 
Mr. Ewer, as I promised you, to investigate fairly and un- 
prejudiced the merits of Animal Magnetism, and I further- 
more promised t;o be your friend, #nd when I should have 
completed the investigation, to give you and the world my 
candid opinion of its merits, i was satisfied from the com- 
mencement that you was perfectly honest and sincere in your 
belief, and I knew you would forgive the employment of du- 
plicity to undeceive you. I have pretended to be a believ- 
, er. I saw the weak points of the pretended science, and 
framed a false theory to attack it. I could have satisfied my- 
self without it. I could in any one exhibition have convin- 
ced myself and those present that the whole is a deception, 
but I had a more extended aim in view; I saw thousands of 
credulous people led astray by this intricate mystery, and 
judging from the history of Europe, millions in our own 
country would in all probability become dupes to the decep- 
tion ; a belief in such mysterious and supernatural powers 
would disqualify all in the community from discharging the 
social duties to each other, which are so essential to the well 
being of society. The pretensions of the deception are so 



132 

unnatural, that even intelligent persons are led to believe 
because they cannot comprehend it, and think it may be true 
because others believe it ; those who go with minds prepared 
to see a miracle, will see something incomprehensible, only 
because they are not prepared to scan such an extremely sim- 
ple deception. You, Mr. Andros, I pity, because others 
. more intelligent than yourself have worked an your mind £ 
•firm belief of this doctrine. You acknowledged to me that 
the conviction of its supposed truth took entire possession of 
your brain. Y^ou saw others around you believers, and you 
unavoidably allowed the delusion to suppress your reasoning 
powers ; it caused you to forsake your business, and spend in 
solitude and abstraction the hours usually devoted to social 
conversation with friends. Your wife saw your infatuation, and 
very naturally humoured the delusion ; she even probably 
supposed the science was true. Poyen had taught, that all 
possessed and felt the pow r er. Mrs. Andres, in a belief of 
such supernatural effects, was net capable of scanning her 
own feelings ; she felt a queer sensation, and supposed it 
must'be magnetism, because the manipulations or passes used 
were said to produce magnetic sleep ; she felt perhaps a 
drowsiness from monotonous fatigue; she expressed a u sleepy 
sensation, " and you supposed it must be magnetism, lour 
whole soul was bent on producing it, and at this first glimmer 
of success you expressed your delight. She wished to plca-e 
you more, and said she felt more sleepy. Women arc tend 
of fame ; she knew other somnambulists wore fan ou> in the 
mouths of the credulous ; she saw a good opportunity ; >he 
concluded to carry it further, and feigned the wl.ule. She 
is not so much to blame, because she originally intended it 
perhaps to please you ; but when once she had <taked her 



133 

character as a somnambulist, she was obliged to carry it 
through, or expose herself and you to the ridicule of the 
world. Hundreds called at your house to &ee the phenome- 
non, and she thought she must do as all other magnetic som- 
nambulists do ; she must raise the hand when you " will" it, 
and nothing could be more easy for any body to do ; for in 
this most strange infatuation, you all believe that the somnam- 
bulist has neither hearing nor feeling, and you freely talk 
among yourselves around her, about what you intend to 
u will ;" she has her ears open and hears all you are saying, 
and consequently it is very easy to raise a*hand, when she 
knows by her ears that you u will" it. You next blindfold 
her to make some new experiments ; here she makes an im- 
portant discovery ; she finds the nose prevents the handker- 
chief from touching a portion of the face, and she can see 
things held at the epigastrium. You are so infatuated, that 
you never think of trying a handkerchief on yourself, nor there- 
fore, of the facility of seeing when blindfolded in that manner. 
She takes things in her hands, and holding them to the 
epigastrium, can read almost as well blindfolded as without. 
My nose is smaller than Mrs. Andros', and my cheek more 
full, yet the evening after I saw her first experiment, I 
blindfolded myself with two handkerchiefs, and read an en- 
tire page in a book, which I held to the epigastrium. You 
next send her in spirit to' some distant place, and she thinks 
she must carry out the game commenced ; she pretends she 
sees theiiouse ; you put leading questions, and she answers 
perhaps one in ten correct ; she is shrewd, and readily 
guesses chairs, table, carpet, lamp, glass and sofa in the 
parlor. You are so infatuated, that you think her spirit is 
tfiet;e r when if you would reflect one moment, you would 



134 

at once be able to perceive the fact that she has told no- 
thing that you could not have guessed yourself. You next 
say in her hearing, — u See if I can ' will' this pencil to b 
water melon." You are so honest that you think you i 
impress a water-melon on your own brain, and you hold it 
with both hands as if it was such ; she knows by her ears 
what you "will," and therefore says, — u It rater 

melon." Some incredulous person now writes it on paper, 
and consequently her ears are of no use, but she can feel, 
and feeling you present it with both hands, she says cc it is a 
melon." So you present a tumbler with one hand to make it 
lemonade. Now, if some one writes on paper "will" this 
stick to be lemonade, you present it with one hand, and 
says it is lemonade ; any body could do the same. Write 
on paper to u will" some unexpected thing, and she fails ; 
in your infatuation, you think the failure is caused by your 
imperfect u will ;" but the real cause of the failure is, be- 
cause you do not first talk it over so that she can hear it. 
These are not mere opinions, Mr. Andros* but facts, drawn 
from the experiments tried with Mrs, Andros. I knew it 
would be difficult to make you believe such things from your 
bosom friend, but the facts are too glaring to admit of doubt, 
and you must now see that your wife has deceived you ! and 
though I have not seen any other magnetic somnambuli 
yet I am confident, from the nature of their pretended work.-, 
that all the magnetic somnambulists must be deceive s, and 
many of the magnetizers maybe knowing to it, though they 
may all be as much duped as yourself. 

I discovered the deception in the first experiment, but to 
convince the world of the imposition, I knew many facts 
would be requisite. I saw no better opportunity to obi 



rl35 

experiments thaj* to invents false theory, and pmtend to fee 
a believer, the better to succeed wiil* the enterprise. I not 
only advocated nay theory to you an$ your wife, but I have 
also advocated it with all persons, (except Mr. Hale,) for 
fear, thaUamong many, the duplicity would come to your ears 
and deprive me of the opportunity toanvestigate ibe decep- 
tion; with my best friends, and even with my brother, I have 
up to this time, continued to advocate the theory which I hav« 
told over suo\ often and so serious, that I almost believe it 
myself; the part of it relating to cerin, I have never told to 
any except Mr. iHale, because it would have exposed my de- 
signs at once; all persons know that the attraction of magnets 
cannot be cut off by any substance yet discovered; here is 
the paper with which I prevented you from putting Mrs. An- 
dros asleep, it is nothing but a sheet of tissue paper, and no- 
thing can be, put on it that could cut off the attraction of mag- 
nets; I called it cerin, because I was fearful it would reach 
the ears of. some curious person who might wish to try the 
experiment, and I knew it would be almost impossible to pro- 
cure it. I have always reconciled the failures by the theory, 
and I have no doubt, most intelligent persons who have 
heard me advocate the pretended science^ think me either in 
league with you to make i^ioney by deception, or else infatu- 
ated with a false doctrine. In all the experiments that I have 
seen with Mrs. Andros, she has been as wide awake as you 
are at this moment. She begins to suspect the object of my 
experiments, and her tears yesterday were caused by her 
consciousness of -guilt; that bleeding experiment is still on 
her mind. You must know by what she told me the following 
morning, that a fear of beipg bled was the sole cause of her 
, crying and jumping from thfC chair. Wheft I gave^ou m$mo~ 



136 

r randums to put her asleep by time, stye must know .-that she 
,<jhd not shut her eyes at the tinae designated, and she must 
know, by my always taking the papers from you, that ; I h^d 
some other design than that which I m&de known to you. I 
wrote, don't put her in magnetic communication, with me, and 
yet by tajking, I made her believe such was to (be the case, 
and she actually talked to n?e; by the same means, I have 
willed, as you call it, a knife to be an apple, and also caused 
her to open her eyes when you thought she was asleep, and 
could hear no person but yourself. I have been careful to 
preserve a memorandum of all these things, and I opened my 
designs to Mr. Hale, expressly to make him a witness. If 
you are not satisfied from all these facts that she is awake, I 
will suggest a plan for you to satisfy yourself; tell h$r sometime 
that you want lo see precisely to a second, how long it will re- 
quire to put her asleep when you are in an adjoining room ; 
set your watch in her presence, as if you wished to be very 
exact, or else she njay mistrust you ; when you go in the 
adjoining room, keep your mind on something else, and I 
wpll guarantee on your return, you will find her pretending 
sleep with her eyes closed. Such an experiment should 
satisfy you that you do not c^use the sleep in any other way. 
than to let her know by your words that you want her to 
shut her eyes. 

If you want to test her power of seeing, hold a handker- 
chief below her nose close to her mouth, as I did at the Graf 
..experiment, when she said the ragged piece of a letter was a 
>bank note; or hold something behind her, anti you will soon 
fed that she can see no better than other persons who are 
Wide ,flwake, with the handkerchief over their eves: I 
kjj^vv;^ will be difficwlt^for you to believe your >yife has 



137 

deceived you, but if you will reflect on what I told you, 
you will see that I cannot be mistaken; I thought it best to 
send her home before I disclosed all this to you, so you would 
have time for reflection before you could see her; it is not* 
necessary for her ever to know this; she may even die in the 
belief that her deception remains undiscovered. I intend to 
expose the nakedness of this pretended science to the world, 
but I think the ringleader should be made the scape-goat to 
carry the brand of deception. Poyen's head should bear the 
iniquity of this imposition— it is him that has led you and 
thousands of others astray. I have not seen him, but I think 
he must know the whole is a deception, and I wish to make 
him the example of exposure; you will be the most suitable 
person to put him in my power, and the plan I would advise 
in this; you say he wanted you to wait in Providence uniil he 
should finish his lectures in Nantucket, and then he would 
come with you to New York, by giving him one third of the 
money to be made by lectures. Now write him a letter, and 
tell him that you have found a friend, Mr. Durant, who has 
undertook to assist you, and who advises you to procure, if 
possible, the assistance of Mr. Poyen, as he is so well known, 
that the lectures would be heard with less opposition from 
the few incredulous men, and say that your friend, Mr. Du- 
rant, has a theory which explains all the phenomena of Ani- 
mal Magnetism so clearly, that most all, among the many who 
have seen your private experiments, are now firm believers 
in the science; tell him it is my opinion that half a dozen 
fortunes could be made with the lectures in New York, 
and that you will give him half of the receipts ; by such 
means we may get him to the city, and then I will manage 
the rest. As Mrs. Andros was to return on Monday v yon 



. 138 

may write to her to remain until we get ready for the lec- 
tures, which you can say are unavoidably put off a few days, 
in consequence of fitting up a room. We will continue to 
advocate all parts of my theory, except the cerin, which you 
must not mention to any person, because, if a man of true 
science, or even common sense, hears of cerin cutting off the 
magnetic fluid, the whole theory will be blown up. Ail other 
parts of the theory are so well framed that I can for a time 
keep up a good argument in its favor, even if scientific men 
should attack it ; and, indeed, it is so analogous to known 
laws, that it would not astonish me if sleep should be pro- 
duced in that way. I trust you will now forgive the duplicity, 
and believe me, what I professed to be, at heart, your 
friend. 

Mr. Andros listened patiently, and, as the reader may well 
imagine, with surprise and sorrow. I really never pitied a 
man more than I pitied Mr. Andros, and I think the most 
difficult task of my life was, summoning resolution to unde- 
ceive him on this occasion. I would gladly have avoided it, 
but a sense of duty prompted me to the task ; he made but 
few" objections, but thought u Mrs. Andros must think she 
was asleep. It is not possible for all in Providence to be 
mistaken; they certainly think they are asleep.'* I re- 
called to his mind the various experiments recorded in this 
work. He acknowledged them as I stated, calculated lo 
leave the impression which I had imbibed, but he named many 
extraordinary cases done in Providence, in presence of the 
most respectable witnesses, which would prove unquestiona- 
bly, that there was some truth in the science. I told him 
they were not fairly tried ; that the witnesses went prepared 
to see miracles, and they saw them. lie acknowledged, as 



139 

I named over the circumstances, that Mrs. Andros had not 
done? any. thing in my. presence that a person awake could 
not dd. Yet u she must think she is asleep ;" he confessed 
that my conduct towards him was? throughout, irreproacha- 
ble, and he still considered me his friend. He thought if I 
would go to Providence, that he could convince me by some 
of the Somnambulists, of some truth in the science ; he promi- 
sed to write, as I requested, for Poyen, but he would rather 
have me go to Providence, for then I might be satisfied of 
the truth of the science, and he could, with my assistance, 
commence hfs lectures in New York. 

A week now elapsed, without receiving- any intelligence, 
by letter, from Poyen. I saw Mr. Andros each day, and he 
contined his solicitations for me to visit Providence ; he said 
he knew he should be able, when there, to show me experi- 
ments that would convince me of the truth of Animal Mag- 
netism; I consented to go with himj and promised, if he 
would show me one single case that proved a magnetic sleep 
in which the somnambulist could do any thing that a person 
awake could not do, I would give him my little influence to 
advance his interest with the public. We accordingly started 
for Providence, in the' steam-boat Rhode-Island, on Satur- 
day, 2d Sept., and arrived the following day; the experi- 
ments in that city, forms the subject matter for the subse- 
quent chapters, - 



CHAPTER XVI. 

ELEVENTH, TWELFTH, AND THIRTEENTH EXPERIMENT 
IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM, AT PROVIDENCE, R. I. 

Mr$v Jlndros sees no better at home than abroad — theory 
rising in the world — Miss Ann Eliza Ebon feels queei 
—-thinks she is asleep— ^opens her eyes by the new theory 
after being burned to death — Magnetic ' Somnambuli 
in a dog- — his case is described in the notes. 

We arrived in Providence, September 3d, and in the 
afternoon of the same day J called to see Mrs. Andros, whom 
I -found at her house, in excellent health. I judged this a 
good- opportunity to satisfy all parties that very good health 
is not a very important requisite in magnetic somnambulism. 
I requested Mr. A. to put her asleep, which he did in a 
minute and a half, When eight or ten minutes had elapsed, 
I asked her the time by clock in the same room. She an- 
swered u I can't see very plain,; it is a quarter past two. " (It 
was eleven minutes past two.) I held behind her a key. Mr 
A. asked her to u look at and tell what it is ?" She an- 
swered u a pencil case." Mr. A. wrote on paper u Durant," 
andasked-her to-read it. (She was blindfolded.) She an- 
swered " / can't see very plain.* I think one letter is JP." 
Similar unimportant things were done with the same success, 
and she was permitted to awake. In< a conversation with her 
at this time, I found Mr. A. had told her there was " nothing 
in the cerin," and that it had been used only to see the effect 

* The fact was, she saw very clearly the name " Durant," f~r it was held at the 
epigastrium, but she was afraid to read it all, lest it should excite suspicijn about 
seeing all things at the epigastrium, and seeing wrongly all thingi heU in other 
plat«a. The reader recollects the " nose and cheek" in ttie fhrsl lccnlte. 



141 

of the mind. She asked why I wished to try such things. 
This took me so much by surprise, that I had like to have 
failed in accounting for it. I explained how the mind was an 
essential part of my theory, and how various things should 
affect it in various ways. 

On leaving, Mr. A. went to my lodgings (City Hotel) with 
me, and I took occasion to reprimand him for telling Mrs. A. 
any thing about the cerin, further than she knew. He said 
he had not told her any thing about its real character, but only 
enough to prevent her from naming the cerin at all to any other 
person, and he added — cc She is still as ignorant as a child 
about the real nature of that experiment." 

Even if he had told the whole, it was now unimportant, for 
I knew it would not do to talk about trying cerin in Provi- 
dence, where, among so many professors, some, at least, 
would know that magnetic attraction could as well be cut off 
with moonshine as with cerin, and there was more than 
enough left of the theory to cut off their deception without the 
assistance of cerin. 

From the time of my arrival, Mr. Andros had been very 
industrious in trying to induce the professors to show me 
experiments in the science. He represented (by my re- 
quest) that Mr. Durant had come to collect proofs in support 
of his theory of Animal Magnetism, which disputed clair- 
voyance, and advocated all other parts of the science ; and 
to his intimate friends he told that he paid me fifty dollars to 
come and get proofs of the doctrine, to assist him in intro- 
ducing the lectures in New York. The first gentlemen he had 
seen on the subject were Professor Americus V. Potter, and 
Professor Christopher Potter, twin brothers, and manufac- 
turing jewellers of Providence. They are highly respectable 



142 

men, and on all subjects except the magnetic science, the/ 
seem to possess a tolerable share of good sense. On my in- 
troduction to these gentlemen, they admitted frequent doubts 
as to somnambulists telling any thing more than was on the 
mind of the magnetizer. They expressed much pleasure that 
I had undertaken the investigations with a proper spirit of 
inquiry. They admitted my theory w r as philosophically 
formed, and they hoped to see me establish it by experiment, 
promising to do all in the ir power to aid me, by gaining access 
to all the principal somnambulists. At five o'clock on the same 
day we met at the residence of Mr. Andros. Mr. A. Potter 
now put Mrs. A. asleep, and asked her what Mr. Durant held 
behind her. She answered — " /( looks like a pencil case. M 
I showed it to him, (it was a toothpick.) I now held a pebble 
stone. She said in answer to u what is it?" u It looks 
dark ; . I can't see what it is." I next held a map in a red 
morocco case. He asked her — "what does Mr. Durant 
hold behind you ?" She answered — u It is light color ; it 
looks like paper , but I can't see to tell what it is." Mr. 
Christopher Potter now held his empty clenched fist behind 
her, and she was asked — u what does Christopher hold behind 
you ?" She answered — u It is a pen-knife. " Thus every 
experiment failed on her part ; but I reconciled them all to my 
theory, and accounted for the failures of imperfect impression 
of the things on the brain of Mr. Potter, as all the know le< 
was of course derived from him by the magnetic cords or 
nerves. 

In the evening Mr. Christopher Potter called on me at 
the City Hotel, and offered to show me the only somoara* 
bulist he then had under his charge ; he said she had never 
been able to see at a distance, but in all other respe< 

I 



143 

was equal to the best somnambulist in Providence. Her 
name is Ann Eliza Ebon, he described her as a very intelli- 
gent and amiable girl, who had long labored under a disease 
of the spine, but who was now rapidly recovering under his 
Hiagnetical treatment. I went with him and saw her at the 
house of her friend, where she now resides expressly to re- 
ceive the professional visits of Mr. Potter. I was now per- 
fectly satisfied that both the Mr. Potters were honest and 
sincere in their belief of Animal Magnetism, and this seemed 
the more extraordinary, as they both seemed- to possess, on 
other matte^ a very quick and accurate conception of things. 
Miss Ebon was represented as a very good somnambulist in 
all things except clairvoyance, which all acknowledged she 
did not possess ; this seemed still more mysterious, that she 
should not pretend to the most wonderful and easy part of the 
deception ; but the whole mystery was very soon made per- 
fectly clear Y as-ycm tvill find in the sequel. When Mr. 
Christopher Potter and myself entered the room, there were* 
present three ladies belonging to the house, and Miss Ebon 5 
with whom I- commenced conversation, immediately after the 
introduction. She is about sixteen years of age, and bent 
forwards in consequence of the diseased spine, otherwise she 
seems to possess good health', and is rather em bon point ; 
she speaks quick, and exhibits very little cultivation or reach 
of mind ; her conversation is in detatched words, from which 
her meaning can be easily understood ; she is devoid of 
shrewdness, and so much of a natural in her appearance and 
conversation, as to satisfy the observer that she does not know 
enough to practise deception.- The reader may suppose I 
am painting a singular picture, by showing two persons per- 
fectly honest, and yet intending. i& prove their actions are de- 



144 

ceitful ; but it is no more singular than true ; Mr. Potter and 
Miss Ebon both firmly and honestly believe she is in a pecu- 
liar sleep, and subject to his will in all her actions ; when at* 
the same time, she is no more asleep than I, who am writing 
this history. Singular as such a state of things may appear 
to the reader, it can, nevertheless, be demonstrated and made 
perfectly clear to your understandings, by an attentive perusal 
of the circumstances connected with the experiment. Miss 
Ebon is the only self-deceived magnetic somnambulis* 
that I have seen, and therefore her case merits a more par- 
ticular description. 

She was seated in a rocking chair ; and Mr. Potter seated 
directly in front, with her knees pressed between his own. 
commenced the manipulations or passes, by first holding her 
thumbs in his hands, then pressing his hands on her forehead, 
then draws them down on her shoulders and thighs to the 
knees, then presses both hands on the stomach and bowels, 
then again on the forehead, shoulders and thighs to the knees; 
and so continues alternately ; and at the same time honestly 
supposing his " will" has something to do with the sleep, he 
keeps his eyes (and he has sharp ones,) directed on hers 
with such muscular force as even to cause him pain ; he oc- 
casionally says to her, u Ann Eliza, do you feel sleepy yet ? 
Ann Eliza, how do you feel ?" and she as often answers, 
« Oh ! I don't know." u I don't know, .Mr. Potter, I feel 
a little queer." " I feel a little sleepy, Jfr. Potter." lie 
continues the manipulations, and again addresses her, cc how 
do you feel now, Ann Eliza ?" " Do you sit ©as) : Do 

vou feel sleepy now ?" u Try, see if you can open your 
eyes, Ann Eliza?" She in turn answers, u Oh! 1 f 
more right." " tin good, I sit good." u ffm sleepy no*" 

12 



145 

Mr. Potter ;" and then slowly opens her eyes wider than 
when in a natural waking state, at the same time saying, " Oh! 
no, I could not have been asleep ;" he then says, " no, shut 
your eyes again, Ann Eliza ;" and continuing the passes, he 
says after a. few moments, u how do you feel now, Ann Eli- 
za ?" " do you feel sleepy now, Ann Eliza ?" u try to open 
your eyes ;" and she in turn, answers again, " Oh ! I feel 
right, just right ;" " Pm sleepy now, Mr, Potter ;" u Pm 
exactly right now, Mr. Potter, I can't open my eyes." 
This occupied about ten minutes, and when I told Mr. Pot- 
ter that Mr. Andros generally put his lady asleep in one or 
two minutes, he remarked, the sleep could not be good, when 
done so quick ; and he continued, u I have often told Mr. 
Andros, that he put his wife asleep too quick ; I generally 
occupy from ten to fifteen minutes." He commenced by 
willing the hand to raise, and accompanied it with saying, u I 
will now see if I can iake her raise the right hand." She of 
course raised the right hand. He said, " she is now perfectly 
asleep;" I asked if she could hear me speak; he said, u no, she 
could not hear a cannon fired by her ears." " Do you hear 
Mr. Durant, Ann Eliza?" she answered, cc JVo, Idon'thear 
any body but you, Mr. Potter." u Try her, Mr. Durant, 
see if she hears you." I then called her name, u Miss Ebon, 
do you hear me?" she answered, u Idon'lhear Mr. Durant, 
Mr. Potter." " No," said Mr. Potter, " I have tried her 
often, and she can't hear a gun fired to her ears ; nor she don't 
feel pinching, or if you should cut her arm off, she would 
not feel it." Before I proceed with the experiments, I will 
here give the reader the true situation of things. Mr. Pot- 
ter is about thirty years of age, short of stature, but full, 
hale and healthy ; he is a firm" and ardent believer in this sci- 



146 

ence, and believes the patient cannot feel or hear any 
thing, unless he " wills" it ; consequently, he, and all 
around, talk freely and loudly, about what they wish her 
to do. She is about sixteen years of age, and extremely 
simple ; she hears of Animal Magnetism, and she thinks 
it must be true, because her acquaintances tell her it 
is so. Cures are supposed to be effected by it, and her 
friends wish Mr. Potter (who is considered one of the best 
professors) to cure her diseased spine. She has all the 
animal passions and lust common to that age, without intel- 
lect to understand it. She is intimate with Mr. Potter, who 
is very lively and sociable. She feels the warm knees of a 
hale, robust man, pressing against hers. She feels bis warm 
hands pressing and creeping over her forehead, stomach, 
bowels, arms and thighs. She feels, as she expressed it, 
• c queer," iQ sleepy." What girl of her age and full* habit of 
body -would not. "feel queer ?" She is told that this is 
magnetism. She readily believes it, and feels "just righ 
because she likes the u queer feelings" of this magnetism. 
They tell her that persons in magnetic sleep do not hear any 
body, unless " willed," (told, as she understands it,) to hear 
them. Others speak to her, and she thinks she is in mag- 
netic sleep, and cannot hear them. Therefore, she says, 
— u JVo ; I don't hear any body but you, Mr. Pot'' 
She is told they can see things with invisible eyes at a great 
distance ; this is above her comprehension, and she s; 
does not see at a distance ; or, in other words, she has not 
" clairvoyance." This is proof to me that she is honest and 
sincere. They now tell her that the magnetizer can * w will" 
the hand to raise ; that she understands, and thinks she must 
do it. The light does not " hurt her eyes," and therefore. 



147 

she does not ask to be blindfolded. She knows that to .be 
asleep she must keep the eyes shut, but she also thinks she 
must raise the hand when u willed" to do so, and must take 
things when offered ; instinct,* therefore, teaches her to open 
the eyes a little, (which she continued to do during this ex- 
periment,) to see the object when offered, and to raise the 
hand when willed without speaking, for, in willing the hand 
to raise, the magnet^zer generally thrusts out his own, which 

* The lower order of animals, are known to manifest instinct in an equal or more ex- 
traordinary degree. When I was a child, the family possessed a dog, whose instinct and 
sagacity furnished amusement and pastime to all fcbe children in the neighborhood : iis 
name, Cash, was as singular as his sports ; he was a great favorite, and he knew it ; he 
was very small, and much petted by my sister, to whom he seemed more attached than 
to any other in the family ; he would lay down or sit up when told to do so ; he would 
eat the most indigestible things when told to eat it. I see him now in retrospection, as he 
used to sit eating whole grains of corn, chips, and even cotton, which he would archly 
roll in his mouth, and swallow at the bidding of the children. A word was sufficient, 
and " Cash, eat that;" " Cash, here is some cotton;" " Cash, take some com," would 
always command obedience, and then he woul,dlook up for more, as, much as to say, I 
like that cake, or water-melon, with a face so serious, that the whole juvenile company 
would be convulsed with laughter ; he knew such things pleased the company, and he 
took delight in entertaining them ; he knew cotton and chips were not natuial food, but 
he also knew that his unnatural sports gained for him the admiration of all the school 
children in the vicinity. He would shut his eyes or open them at a word, and many a 
time has my sister laid him in the miniature bed of her baby-house, and after singing 
ol o by for a few minutes, would say to him, "now, Cash, shut your eyes, and go to 
sleep." I would perhaps say " Cash, I would not sleep in that bed without curtains," 
but he would not pay any attention to me, and presently my sister would say, "Cash, 
are you dreaming? Cash, open your eyes and let me see if you are asleep," he would 
then open those cunning eyes, and look as serious as a deacon, while my sister would 
address him, " yes,— you are asleep now, Cash, shut your eyes again, and don't hear what 
Charles says to you." I would then clap 'my hands, and call, " Cash, Cash, here Cash, 
catch the chickens, Cash;" but he would lay as quiet as a mouse, and not stir even the 
eyelids, and if he could talk, I know he would have said, " no, I don't hear Charles nor 
any body but you, little Miss." Such was his instinct, that he knew he must not hear 
any one but my sister, and therefore he feigned sleep. But I detected the little rogue , : 
when I said chickens, (he was fond of chasing the chickens,) for I could see his ears move, 
and I know he found it difficult to keep his eyes closed. Hundreds of his feats are retain- 
ed in the recollections of the family, with whom he is frequently the subject of remark 
at the fire-side conversations. I could write volumes on his interesting sports.— Poor 
Cash, he is long since dead, but his name and virtues will be 'cherished in memory, long 
after Animal Magnetism will be forgotten among the other deceptions of the times. 



148 



he holds over the hand he " wills" to raise. She is next 
told that the magnetizer can will a pencil to be a water-melon. 
They now say audibly, (for they think she cannot hear,) 
64 see if I can will this pencil to be a watermelon," she 
knows she must not hear, and yet she cannot help listening 
to such audible u ivill," and therefore she says it is a 
water-melon. They now say audibly— 44 See if I can will 
this handkerchief to be a cat." Such audible u will" has 
already reached her brain, for she has her ears open, (though 
she thinks she must not hear.) The magnetizer honestly 
thinks he must 44 will" very strong, because it is difficult to 
turn a handkerchief into a cat in his own brain, and therefore 
he commences rolling it up, lay$ it in one hand, and strokes 
it with the other hand., now taps it on the artificial head, with 
his fingers, to make it lay still, precisely as if it was a cat, 
and then places it into her hands, which she extends (for the 
eyes are a little open to catch the 44 wills,") to receive it, 
and thinks she must do the same with it as if it w r as a cat, 
(this 44 will" came through the ears;) therefore, she says, 
i4 poor Puss /" or 44 Oh ! take the cat away — she'll scratch 
me /" They next try the experiment silently, without saying 
a word, by request of some incredulous person, who writes on 
paper, 44 will it to be a cat." Not a word is spoken, but he 
rolls it up, strokes it with his hand, taps it on the head with 
his finger, (she now catches the 44 will" through the eyes 
alone,) and she receives it, exclaiming — 44 what do you ^ivc 
me this cat for ? you know I don't like cats.'' So much 
for the theory of this case, and now for the facts by 
actual experiment. A short time after Miss Ebon thought 
she was asleep, a younger brother of Mr. Potter, with Mrs. 
Potter, and Dr. Miller, of Providence, came ini o ike icon 



149 

I told Mr. Potter audibly, " will the left hand to raise," £nd 
it raised accordingly. I said, " can you will things written 
on paper, Mr. Potter ?" He answered, " Oh yes, I can 
4 will' almost any thing. I often will a handkerchief to be a 
cat or a bird, and will the hand to raise, or any thing of that 
kind. You write something, Mr. Durant, and see if I can- 
not will it." I remarked, " I wish to try a peculiar experi- 
ment to prove my theory," and wrote on paper, which I 
gave to him, " will her to raise the right hand." "Do 
you see what I wrote ?" u Yes," "well, I wish you to 
keep it well on your mind. Does she hear me ?" " No, 
she could not hear a gun if fired by her ear. Do you hear 
Mr. Durant, Ann Eliza?" " jYo, I don't, Mr, Potter." 
" Now, will the left hai}d to raise, you see what I wrote , 
be sure you do it." He willed, and up came the left hand. 
" How is that, Mr. Durant ? I tried to will what you wrote. 
I don't understand that." " Oh, I will explain all that by 
and by. It is a part of my theory. Let us try another." 
And I gave him on paper "will her to raise the right hand." 
" Are you certain she does not hear me?" "Oh yes." 
"Do you hear Mr. Durant, Ann Eliza?" u No, Mr. 
Potter ; I do not hear any body hut you." I now said 
audibly, " will the left eye to open ; I have seen Mr. An- 
°dros do that often. It is a beautiful experiment. Be sure 
you do what you have on the paper." He " willed" away, 
and open came the left eye. " Well, that is strange," said 
Mr. Potter, " I tried to do what you wrote. I don't under- 
stand that." " I dare say, but that is part of my theory, and 
I can make it very plain to you, when I explain it. I tried 
many such with Mr. and Mrs. Andros, and they are now, 
you know, firm believers in my theory. Here is another I 



150 

wish to try." u Oh, certainly ; this is so new to me thai 
I am much pleased with it." I now wrote on paper which 
I gave him, " will this to be a water-melon.'" u Look well 
at what I have written. Do you understand it ?" u Yes, 
1 have done that often." u You are certain that she don't 
hear me ?" " Oh, she don't hear a word you say. Do 
you hear Mr. Durant's voice, Ann Eliza." u No, Mr. 
Potter." I now said audibly, "will that pencil to be red 
hot iron, and see if we can't burn her. Mind you do what 
I wrote on the paper." He commenced holding the pencil 
in both hands, as if it was a heavy water-melon, to impress 
it firmly upon his mind ; he then put it in her extended 
hands. She. drew her hands suddenly back, exclaiming, 
" Oh! Oh! Oh! take it away!" " Why, what is the 
matter ?" u Why, you're burning me to death." u Well, 
Mr. Durant," said Mr. Potter, u that is the most curious 
thing that I ever saw. I tried my best to have her do what 
you wrote on the paper. We never tried such experiments 
before. How do you account for them ?" " Oh, it is the 
effect of the mind. It will be all very plain when you un- 
derstand my theory. Let us try another." " Oh, certainly , 
I want you to go on with them ; chey are so curious." f 
now gave him on paper, u will the left eye open after ten 
minutes, but not before then. " " Ask her if she hears m< 
" Do you hear Mr. Durant, Ann Eliza ?" u JVb, I hi 
only you, Mr. Potter." I now said audibly, cc will her to 
open both eyes in half a minute. Now keep your mind on it 
and be sure you make her do what is on the ; I 

then took out my watch and commenced talking u I 

know we can wake her up in half a minute, for I bave s< 
Mr. Andros do it frequently, I know you will succeed ; I 



151 

can see the eyes move already ; there, there they come, 
there, there, there she is wide awake ;" and so she was, gen- 
tle reader, with both eyes wide open, and glistening like two 
peeled onions, in about twenty seconds from the time of com- 
mencing the operation. " Well," said Mr. Potter, " that 
beats me all out ; we never tried such experiments before in 
Providence, ajid I don't see how it is done ; I tried my best, 
to keep her asleep ; I should like you would explain that, it 
must be your talking, that confused my mind, and prevents 
what I was trying to do from the paper." u Yes, you have 
the idea exactly, Mr. Potter, it is the effect of the mind, and 
when I get time to explain to you all my theory, you will see 
how easily it can be understood ; it would require some 
hours to tell over the wbole of it, but some time I will ex^ 
plain it in full.* 

All parties seemed quite satisfied and delighted with my 
theory ; Mr. Potter, in particular, expressed himself much 
delighted, that I had visited Providence, as my very singular 
experiments and theory, promised to be of much service to 
Animal Magnetism, by explaining satisfactorily to all, what 
had thus far, confounded the most scientific men in the nation. 

Dr. Miller accompanied me to my lodgings, where we 
spent some time in philosophising on phenomena, and the 
magnetic science in particular. I used various means to have 
him express his opinion of Animal Magnetism, and was more 
particularly anxious to know his sentiments, from having been 
told by a professor, that Dr. Miller was a believer. The 
good sense and intelligence manifested in his conversation, 
and the soundness of his sentiments on other things, induced 
me to suppose the professors had been mistaken as to his real 



* I trust the reader has the id§a in fall, by this time. 



152 

belief of the doctrine; and though he made no direct acknow- 
ledgement to me, yet I was satisfied from his remarks that 
he was not a firm believer, but prepared and desirous to re- 
ceive evidence, both for and against the science. I asked 
him if he saw any evidence of Miss Ebon's being asleep; he 
acknowledged he had not. Did you see any evidence that 
she was awake ? he evaded a reply. Did she do any thing' 
in your presence that persons awake could not do ? u No, 
I think a person awake might do all that she did." This 
was enough to inform me of Dr. Miller's real sentiments, wdiich 
I presume he does not disclose openly, because his patients 
and neighbors are believers, and he prefers quiet enjoyment 
of practice and opinion, to an open and hostile argument on 
this most strange infatuation. Without disclosing my plans 
to Dr. Miller, I allowed him to infer from the conversation, 
that my theory had more meaning than letters in its composi- 
tion and I desired he would be with me as much as possible, to 
take actual notice of what occurred during my experiments 
in Animal Magnetism at Providence. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

FOURTEENTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM^ 
AT PROVIDENCE. 

Professor Cleaveland' s somnambulist at Pautuxet — -Mrs, 
Andros thought it was the paper box — Thought he sat 
there-^-It looks strange — White house ! — Nine gentlemen— 
Remarkably correct — Key to Col. Stone's picture history. 
From the time of my arrival in Providence, a stir began 
to be made among the professors; some were anxious to of- 
fer me facilities for proving my theory, though some seemed 
lukewarm, and one endeavored to prevent my having access 
to any somnambulist. On the morning of the 4th Sept., I 
was met at my lodgings by four celebrated professors, viz. : 
Professors A. Potter, C. Potter, Rev. Daniel Green, and 
Andros ; all except Green, had used every endeavor to pro- 
cure subjects for me, and had particularly interested them- 
selves to have me see Miss Bracket, and Miss Parker, but 
as yet, without success ; they had made arrangements for 
me to visit professor Cleaveland, M. D. at Pautuxet; to 
which place, Mr. C. Potter, politely escorted me, in his 
chaise. Mr. Cleaveland was absent from the village ; we as- 
certained the name of his somnambulist, on whom we called, 
and spent half an hour, or more, in conversation.. She was 
in bed, in very feeble health, and more \ feeble mind ; she dis- 
couraged us, by saying, if Dr. Cleaveland was at home, he 
would not put her asleep then, because she Was so ill. In 
vain I praised, and proved the benefit of magnetic sleep, and 
hinted that Mr, Potter would be able to magnetize, and re- 
lieve her ; she would not consent to it ; her mother, the ma- 






154 

tron of the house, kept things so tidy and clean, that I felt 
somewhat astonished that she should not have kept the mind 
of her daughter more clean and free from the pollutions of 
deception : and Cleaveland, Doctor Cleaveland^ a practition- 
er of medicine, holding lives at the mercy of his drugs, 
what shall I say of his strange infatuation, filling the mind of 
that weak and simple girl with deceit, at a most critical time, 
when her eternal welfare requires a clean and unspotted mind, 
to hold converse with her God ; but I will stifle the sigh in 
my breast, to spare humanity the pangs, and sympathy the 
tears, which a description of such scenes must produce. 
We returned to the residence of Dr. Cleaveland, and finding 
no certainty of his speedy return, we left our cards, and re- 
turned to Providence. 

In the afternoon, (Mr. A. having been unable to procure 
more subjects,) I accepted an invitation from Mr. Dyer, 
to accompany him in the carriage, to his cocoonery and nur- 
sery garden, a few miles from town, and returned in time to 
see an experiment with Mrs. Andros, in the evening. 

The experiment, this evening, I think was given at the re- 
quest of Mr. Hartshorn, to gratify some friends from Boston 
and Philadelphia. There were present in the commence- 
ment, Gen. Frothingham, of Boston, John Hartshorn, of 
Boston, Mr. Cowperthwait,* of Philadelphia, Dr. Hai 
horn, Dr. Brownell, Dr. Miller, and Mr. Andros, of Provi- 
dence, another gentleman, whose name I forget, and 
in all nine gentlemen. The reader recollects that Mrs. An- 
dros, as I before remarked, succeeds with her deception, 
only by seeing under the handkerchief, (ihis was not known 
to the company,) things held at the epigastrium, aid by 

*I am doubtful as to the on 
uil correct me. 



155 

guessing in what is called clairvoyance; and now for the re- 
sult of this experiment. Mr. A. magnetized her as usual ; 
she complains of light and is blindfolded. I requested pro- 
fessor Brownel!, M. D., might be put in magnetic commu- 
nication. Dr. Brownell's patient sees things behind, and 
therefore he very honestly (for he is sincere) held an apple 
behind Mrs. Ari-dros, and asked her to tell the name of it, she 
answered, " it is a pencil case."* Dr. Brownell says, "look 
again, and take time," at the same time he put it in front of 
her, but kept his hands on the top of it, unintentional on his 
part, arid so near, that the apple barely touched her hand an 
instant, and she answered " it is a book."f Several remarks 
were now made by Dr. Brownell and Mr. Andros, about 
her not being perfectly magnetized, and Mr. Andros magne- 
tized her a little more. Ong of the gentlemen asked how 
they knew when she was magnetized enough. Dr. Brow- 
nell answered,- u when they tell correctly, "J Mr. Andros 
asked, u do you feel well magnetized, Amelia ?" " Yes." 
The apple had continued to lay on the Franklin stove behind 
her. Mr. A. took it in his hand (still behind her) and asked 
a what have I got in my hand, Amelia ?" she answered, u It 
is long, it looks like paper, it is a paper box. "§ He looked 
a little disconcerted, and said, " you are mistaken." She an- 
swered, u I thought it 10 as the paper box on the mantle." 



* They frequently guess pencil case, and the reader must know that every gentleman 
cariies such a thing, and is likely to held it in such cases. 

t An apple would feel, when touching for a moment the back of the hand, like a book. 
1 knew by the position, that, she could not see, and I anticipated her reply. 

X Such answers I have received from all the magnetizers, except Mr. Fotter, whose 
answer on that question, I could never comprehend. 

§ Strange as it may appear to the reader, I also anticipated this reply. I was so much 
accustomed to see Mr. A. take the nearest thing at hand, that I knew she would suppose 
ho held the long cylindrical paper box, then on the mantle near hirn'j and the only thi&£- 
^n-the &«*£«, probably placed t.^tire by her for that purpose. 



156 

Dr. Brownell asked her, u how many persons are there in 
the room?" "nine;" u are you certain?" " Yes." 
" Did you count yourself ?" u Yes." " Well, that would 
make ten." u No, there is only nine with myself." u Look 
again, and, be very certain." U I mean there is nine 
GENTLEMEN in the room."* 

Mr. Andros, after my lecture to him in Jersey City, dare 
not now give her any thing in the hand to hold to the epi- 
gastrium, where she can see under the blindfold, and which 
weuld now, by reading a bank note, have compensated in 
the minds of all for the previous failures. Mr. Cowper- 
thwaite was now put in magnetic communication, and she 
went with him, (by flying in spirit,) to his country house 
near Philadelphia. She described the premises thus — u Ft 
is a white house — something greenish around the door." 
After some silence, u do you see any thing over the door ?' 
u I can't see very well — thert appears to be something over 
the door," w do you see any thing that looks like a piazza 
over the door." u I see something over the door, — it don't 
look much like a piazza — / can't see very icell — it looks 
like something there." Here a multiplicity of leading ques- 
tions and corresponding answers followed. It would be a 
waste of time to write or read them. Suffice it to say, the 

* This was a trap, (though unintentional on the part of BrownelL) and I saw the result 
likely to ensue, when he asked the question " how many persons are theie in the r. 
They are often asked how many gentlemen are there in the room, and therefor* 
;ake a good look and impress it strongly on the mind before they shut the eyes : thej 
are also often asked the tone, and therefore they look at the clock, and impress that 
mind ; they are al<o obliged to keep the situatio ■ of things in the room, and 
on the mind, and when asked how many persons are there in the room. I 
multiplicity of things, to remember themselves. So with Mrs. A in toil 
anxious to give one correct reply, that she spoke before she could distinguish h. : 
persons and gintlemei^ and she •till felt so sure that fine uid i.<u recollect h< r 
after the second and third interrogatories, but (fiftooi 
tain," an \ then "spJit B hair with a crowbar." 



157 

answers were all characteristic of the following; — " There is 
a door on that side — I think there is a carpet on the floor — ; 
something dark, looks like a glass beticeen the windows — 
there is apiece of furniture on that side, looks dark — I can't 
distinguish what it is — there are some chairs on that side — 
two ladies in the room — they look middle-aged— appear to 
he dressed in dark — something dark looks like a picture on 
that side — there is two lamps." "Do you see any thing 
peculiar in that lamp !" " Yes, it looks different from other 
lamps,, but. I cannot describe it." " Look well at it, I want 
you ,to describe it for me ?" u It looks very curious ; it 
looks long ; there is something on that part of it, but I can't 
describe it ; I never saw such a lamp." During the experi- 
ment, three more gentlemen came in, viz. : Dr. Sumner, 
late of Boston ; Charles Rhodes, of Philadelphia ; and Nel- 
son Slater, of Providence. Several changes of seats took 
place, and she was asked, " in what part of the room does 
Mr. Durantsit?" She answered u there," pointing with 
her finger towards the piano immediately in front of her. 
Mr. A. said, "no; 'you are mistaken, Amelia." " / 
thought he sat there," was her reply ; and she never spoke 
more truly, for she thought I sat there, because I -was seated 
• there before she was blindfolded. But I took advantage of 
the entrance of the three last named gentlemen, and shifted 
to a seat at the window on her left, and at a right angle from 
the line she pointed out. General Frothingham, of Boston, 
was next in magnetic communication. She flew with him to 
Boston, described his house and furniture, u carpet on the 
floor — glass between the icindoivs — chairs in the room — 
something looks like a table in the middle of the room — tivo 
lamps on the mantle — some kettles in the kitchen — something 






158 

dark there, looks like a grate to burn coal." u What do 
you see there at that side of you,?" " Jit the right hand ?" 
u Yes ; don't you see something there?" M Yes, I see 
something there." " Well, what does it look like? it is 
something you know very well ?" " It looks long." u Yes, 
it is long, but what is the name of it?" u It looks dark 
colored." " Yes, can't you tell me what it is?" u It 
looks like a pump." " Yes, it is a pump ! ! !" In a simi- 
lar way she told two images in a niche of the wall on the 
stairway, though not until asked by leading questions for 
nearly half an hour, and then she said, u they are dark co- 
lored," u they look like bronze," whereas, they were 
white ! But, reader, will you believe the fact, even this 
great difference of color was satisfactory to General Froth- 
ingham, and almost all present, because there was a gauze 
veil over them " which would make them appear dark ! ! !" 
She did not even notice any thing there until asked four 
times to come back to that part of the stairs, and "look in 
the wall, and see if you do not see something strange 
there ! ! !" The minutiae of all these questions and answers 
would tire your patience, and be a sinful waste of time. I 
have given you enough at least to show how any person could 
describe all which Miss Bracken described for Colonel 
Stone, not excepting the pictures in his drawer. On re- 
tiring from this experiment, most of the gentlemen thought 
the answers were tolerably correct. I asked Mr. Cowper- 
thwaite if he saw T any evidence of her being asleep. He 
answered, u all the answers except two were very indefinite, 
and some of them I think are not correct ; but tl < and 

color of the house were remarkably correct. The lamp is 
curious, and different from any I ever saw, and my h 

K 



159 

white, * when most houses in that place are red. I think a 
person awake would have guessed a red house I'M* 9 

I have omitted to describe many cases similar to the 
above, and indeed I have omitted a description of whole 
experiments at my house, and selected those which were 
witnessed by the greatest number of well known persons, 
who, from being believers, may not have noticed the facts 
as I did, but who now, I trust, will recall the incidents to 
their minds, and bear witness to the truth of my descriptions. 
I could have convinced all present of the deception, but I 
feared to do any thing which might excite suspicion in the 
mind of Dr. Brownell, who had promised to show me an 
experiment with his subject (Miss Parker) on the following 
day. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

FIFTEENTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM 
AT PROVIDENCE. 

Miss- Lorania Brackets — her true portrait — can distinguish 
objects very ivell — hears a newspaper — hears a knife-— 
sees much, but can't tell — sees a noise ! — shifts the cotton 
— yes, I see it — don't want to tell — can read a letter* — let 
her read this. 

In the morning of the 5th, I saw Mr. John C. Harts- 
horn, the author of the translation of " Deleuze's Practical 
Instructions." I bad some conversation with him respecting 
my theory, a part of which I explained to him. He seemed 

* The somnambulists in describing houses in country towns, invariably say, "it is 
white," and if a person awake should say " it is white," I should not' think it very good 
guessing, for the houses in most towns are white. I have noticed, in several instances, 
tne persons asking the questions, say, , "no,, you are wrong, my hous<?is not whito;" 
" then Imu8t be at the wrong house ! ! ./." 



160 

much pleased with all parts of it, except disputing clair- 
voyance, and he cited a number of cases, which I explained 
according to my theory. He then cited a circumstance that 
proved Miss Brackett must possess clairvoyance. It was 
telling the contents of a gun barrel, arranged by himself, and 
placed in the corner of his room. He also cited the read- 
ing of Colonel Stone's letter, also Mr. Covill's letter. 
" And besides," he continued, " Miss Brackett is perfectly 
blind when awake." I told him I could not account for 
things done out of my presence in any other way than to sup- 
pose some unobserved and unintentional circumstance had 
prevented a fair and correct experiment ; and I remarked, 
" Mr. Andros (he was then present) will tell you that he 
is now perfectly convinced of the truth of my theory, and 
satisfied they cannot see in magnetic sleep. He will also tell 
you that in all the experiments with his lady, she failed to tell 
any thing which the one in magnetic communication did not 
know." Dr. C apron had promised to obtain forme, if pos- 
sible, an experiment with Miss Brackett that morning, at ten 
o'clock, and my principal object in this conversation was to 
induce Mr. Hartshorn* to interest himself in ensuring me an 
interview with her, and to excite his wonder so much as to 
induce him to be present, to use him as a witness here after, as 
Capron rather objected to have me bring any person with me. 
Mr. Hartshorn, I knew, had more influence than any other 
person with all the somnambulists, and I judged he could be 

* The character and standing of Mr. Hartshorn, are too well known to require any des- 
cription from me. He is a professor of languages, and teacher of a school ; he is of un- 
doubted veracity, and possesses an unblemished reputation for probity and honor ; he 
is, besides, an liniablc man, and stands eminent in nil the social relations ofllfe, 1 tit from 
being perfectly sincere and honest himself, he thinks all others are alio honest, and hi* 
credulity has allowed the deceptions of Animal Magnetism to lead him astray 

k2 



161 

present if he chose to do so. He promised to be present, if 
possible, and was sure he could convince me of my error. 
He was, however, so much pleased with my theory, that he 
requested me to write an article on the subject for the 
second number of his translation of u Deleuze." 

I called at ten o'clock, (the hour of appointment,) at the 
house of Mr. Jesse Metcalf, where I met professor Capron 
and Miss Brackett ; Mr. Hartshorn arrived a few minutes 
after, and before Miss B. was put to sleep. I had a previ- 
ous interview with Dr. Capron, her magnetizer, and was 
soon satisfied from his open and candid conversation, that he 
was above even suspicion of deception ; he is a practitioner 
of medicine, and enjoys an unblemished reputation for ve- 
racity and honor ; he could not believe my theory, because 
he is a firm believer in Animal Magnetism, and thought she 
used no deception in performing her wonderful feats of read- 
ing and seeing things encased, and at a distance. Miss Brack- 
ett is represented as a lovely and accomplished girl, possess- 
ing piety, modesty, veracity and intelligence, equal or supe- 
rior to the average of her sex. She is also represented as 
blind beyond the possibility of doubt. Mr. Hopkins, and 
Mr. Metcalf, with whom she has resided, say they know her 
to be blind ; hundreds represent her as perfectly blind. On 
disputing clairvoyance with the disciples of Animal Magnet- 
ism, they always cite Miss Brackett's case, to show that I 
must be in error ; they say, u she is perfectly blind, and yet 
reads distinctly all things presented to her." "She is stone 
blind, and has been for years, and yet in her magnetic sleep T 
she goes in the garden and names the colour of the flowers,, 
with which she seems transported." " She is totally blind? 
and yet in magnetic sleep she goes to the store and selects 



162 

calicoes, and names the various colors, pays money, and re- 
ceives change, as correctly as a person with eyesight and 
awake could do." 

The following is from Translations of Deleuze, and forms 
a very small part of the marvellous things related of her. 

11 Mr. Jesse Metcalf says he has known Miss B. about two month?. She 
has resided in his family at different times about lour weeks. Was not ac- 
quainted with her when she first came to Providence. Could not understand 
her very well at first, because her voice was very feeble ; she did not speak ex- 
cept in low whispers- Health quite delicate. Appetite poor. Her eyes ap- 
peared to be quite inflamed ; it was necessary to keep the blinds of the room 
almost always closed ; and the lamp where it could not shine so as to pain 
her eyes. While at his house, she has generally been magnetized every day. 
She would sometimes remain in the magnetized state ten or twelve hours, du- 
ring which she would wa.k about the house as well as any other person ; but 
when she was awake, she would have to grope about, and feel her way. In 
the magnetized state, she enjoys visions, looking at objects with great pleasure, 
especially pictures, portraits, &c. This makes her delight in being in that 
state. She describes such things very accurately. 

Mr. Metcalf says that her general health and her appetite are very much im- 
proved. When in the somnambulic state, she walks along the streets with 
perfect ease, and hears any person she is directed to, very well. She has been 
to meeting three times with Ins family in that state, and could remember some 
parts of the discourses, having heard them very well. 

When Dr. Capron leaves her in the magnetic state, he first tells her to an- 
swer and converse with all his family, or with some members of it. She can- 
not then talk with any but these persons ; nor can she hear any thing address- 
ed to her by any one else, She cannot, when in that state, hear the conversa- 
tion between any tw) individuals. 

She can only see their lips move, and wonders they do not talk. She can- 
not even hear the person with whom she converses, when he talks with any 
bodv else. She hears him only when he addresses her. 

Miss B. is intelligent, has received a good education, and is cheerful and 
pleasant. 

When in the magnetized state, she can tell immediately in what part of the 

• house every member of the family is, without moving or turning from her seat. 

Mr. M. has eleventin the family," including Miss B., who is now staying with 

Miss B. says the walls of the house, as do all other walls, appear to he 
transparent. She can see through them, and yet she can see them, and de_ 
scribe what kind of paper, or paint, is on them. 

Miss B. is of pleasing manners, and is an invited guest in his house, 
she has interested all ot the family. 

Mr.Metcalf permits me to publish this statement, which he made at my 
request." 

Such descriptions of Miss Brackett, I received from a 
large number of persons, many of whom had seen and W< re 
even intimately acquainted with her. Reader, imagine me 
now in the presence of that extraordinary person, whom 1 



163 

had called to see with the expressed object of establishing 
my theory, which disputed clairvoyance, though advocating 
all other parts of the science ; but with the secret design to 
unravel the mysteries and expose her deception. You must 
imagine I had a difficult task to be accomplished in one ex- 
periment of an hour or two in duration ; but it was more ef- 
fectually accomplished than it was difficult to perform ; and 
before I give a description of the process, I will paint f her 
true portrait, a part of whichj had previously conceived, and 
the remainder I added before I had finished the experiment. 
Miss Loraina Brackett is a native of Dudley, Mass..; about 
twenty-five years of age, good figure, high forehead, intel- 
lectual face, comely and interesting in her appearance w 7 hen 
conversing seriously on any common topics ; but in her light 
and familiar conversation she is insipid, immodest, vulgar 
and disgusting ; she was poor, and worked in a cotton facto- 
ry ; # her poverty was no disgrace. I have myself experi- 
enced poverty, and feel a conscious pride, when in retrospec- 
tion I look on that inheritance. She met with an accident 
in the factory ; a heavy piece of iron fell on her head and 
disabled her from work. She found friends to sympathize 
with her, and administer to her necessities ; she recovered,, ■ 
but was indolent, and preferred idleness to work ; the only 
way to accomplish her desires, was to feign disability to 
labor. She was deceitful, and feigned blind. She possess- 
ed what many drunkards possess, the art of vomiting the con- 
tents of her stomach, and she practised both these unpardon- 
able deceptions to obtain the continued sympathy of friends. 
She was about to be sent to Boston., to receive the benefit of 

professional aid from a scientific institution for diseases of 

___ — — i 1 ' 

* I have this fact from a professor of the magnetic science. 



164 

the eyes ; on the way* she met Dr. C apron, a deluded en- 
thusiast in the magnetic doctrine ; he honestly supposed he 
could cure her, and succeeded, as he supposed, to put her 
in magnetic sleep. She readily deceived him, because she 
feared in a scientific institution, they might detect her pretend- 
ed blindness, and in Animal Magnetism she could prolong 
her deception ; but how long she will succeed, I leave the 
reader to judge, after reading the following narration ; which, 
(if she ever reads while in magnetic sleep,) I warrant will 
cure both her blindness and somnambulism. 

There were also present, five or six ladies belonging to 
the house, and one lady with her hat on, who I supposed 
was a neighboring visitor. Immediately after the introduc- 
tion, I commenced conversation with Miss Erackett, and 
while conversing with her, Sir. Hartshorn came, and stepped 
with Dr. Capron to the window, to arrange, (I believe,) 
a private experiment in the evening, to gratify some gentle- 
men from Boston. I tolcl Miss Brackett that my theory would 
reconcile all the mysteries to the known laws of nature, and 
trove that what was called clairvoyance, was the knowledge 
carried by the magnetic cords to the somnambulist from the 
magnetizer. I expatiated in glowing terms, on the beauties 
of the science, and of its infinite use in curing diseases. I 
told her that I knew of many extraordinary cures performed 
by Mr. Andros, and that my theory would so explain Animal 
Magnetism, that a child, hereafter, would be able to cure, 
this science, the most obstinate cases of disease. She lis- 
tened with seeming interest, and said I would he mistaken as 
respects clairvoyance, but fully coincided with me in its - 
for the cure of disease, and she remarked, ** thert w 

* I have this fact from Dr. Capron's letter to Hartshorn. '• Translation of Del* 
appen tix, page 30* 



165 

many persons have been cured by it, and my sight is so far 
recovered by it, that I can now distinguish objects very well, 
and I was perfectly blind ichen Dr. Capron first magnetized 
me, and my health is a great deal better in other respects 
too." I told her I was glad to hear she had received so 
much benefit so soon, and I doubted not in a few months 
more, her sight would be perfectly restored ; and, perhaps, 
even better than it had ever been before. Such conversation 
continued a few minutes, when Mr. Hartshorn left the room, 
I believe, to acquaint his friends of the evening arrangement, 
and promised to return shortly, which he did. Dr. Capron 
now took his seat beside her, and I said to him, " I thought 
you told me she was blind." u Well, she is, sir, perfectly 
blind." " Why, she told me she sees objects very well ;" 
here she remarked, a / mean I can see when objects are be- 
tween me and the window." u Oh lyes," said Dr. Capron, 
" she can discern the faint outline of objects, when held to 
a strong light, but she was totally blind when I commenced 
magnetizing her, and her health in other respects is also much 
improved ; she could scarcely articulate a word when she 
came under my charge, but now her voice is strong and ar- 
ticulation clear ; one of the young ladies who sat braiding- 
straw, then remarked, u Oh ! she can't see a bit, I know 
she can't ; but when she is magnetized, she sees the pictures, 
and goes all over the house." I then turned the conversa- 
tion on the great benefits to be derived from the science, and 
Dr. Capron commenced the manipulations of magnetizing, 
pressing the hands on the forehead, and drawing them down 
frequently to the feet, but not always touching her ; when he 
had worked three or four minutes, she commenced heaving 
the stomach as if about to vomit ; Dr. Capron said, "do. 



166 

you feel a nausea ; you should have taken some allspice ;" 
" I did take some allspice before I sat doicn." Dr. Capron, 
addressing both Miss B. and myself, remarked, " I will quiet 
your stomach in a few minutes, Loraina ; I can by the men- 
tal will, make her completely sea sick ; I willed her so sick 
at one time, that she vomited in a lady's lap." I now mo- 
ved a little off, for by what I had already witnessed, I con- 
cluded by her continued straining of the stomach, she intend- 
ed to vomit on me, as a compliment for the improvement in 
her sight, which she had so suddenly acquired by my theory. 
In about ten minutes he pronounced her in magnetic sleep, 
he continued talking, and she answering, the same as when 
awake ; he put some raw cotton between her eyes and 
glasses, for you must know she wears green spectacles. I 
was desirous to catch her as I had done Miss Ebon, and 
requested Dr. Capron to u will" the hand to raise, but after 
trying two or three minutes he gave it up. She held the 
finger of the right hand with the thumb and finger of the 
left, as if the right was drawn by his will and she could 
only prevent it by holding with the other hand. She would 
frequently lean the whole body forward, as if attracted by his 
u will/' but he could not will her to raise the hand, and of 
course I could not try my theory on that feat. She kept 
continually picking with both hands, at the cotton, and I re- 
quested Dr. Capron to take it out, as I said she must be 
annoyed with the heat which it occasioned ; after one or i 
minutes he took it from one eye, when she snatched it from 
his hands and put it back again, and complained of Bl 
being in the room, and said she would go out. Dr. Capron 
remarked, Cc she likes to travel, suppose you send her to 
jour .house and let her describe the prank I dteclw 



167 

by saying I had seen enough of such experiments with Mrs. 
Andros, and nothing definite could be ascertained by that to 
test ray theory, I thought if she could see at all she ought 
to see things in the room. I asked if she could hear me. 
a Oh, no ; she could not hear a park of artillery discharged 
to her ears, nor could she feel the dismemberment of a limb ; 
she can only Jiear those I will her to hear. I took up a 
newspaper, which lay on the chair before her, and said, au- 
dibly, ask her if she can see this newspaper, at the same time 
I held it at the left temple, where she is represented to see 
best. He asked her, u Loraina, what does Mr. Durant hold 
in his hand ?" u Pm a great mind not to tell you now, you 
are always asking me sich foolish questions, you know as 
well as I do — it is a newspaper." Dr. Capron gravely said,. 
u she always makes such remarks, for she thinks every one 
sees the objects, and she wonders that we ask her about it. 3 " 
Here that little sharp girl, who was braiding straw, said, 
u yes, she always thinks we can see as well as she does ? 
and sometimes she won't tell us at all, because she says we 
know as well as she does." I now held a knife to her tem- 
ple, and said, audibly, ask her to tell what I have in my 
hand, and see if she can see this knife ; he put the question, 
and she replied : u what do you ask me that foolish question 
for, you know as well as I do it is a knife." I said, those 
two answers, you see, were according to my theory, doctor, 
you knew what I had, and your knowledge was conveyed to 
her by the magnetic nerves ;* but now I will try something 
which you have no knowledge of, and see if she can tell what 
it is. Ask her what I hold in my hand, (it was a flower.) 
u Loraina, what does Mr. Durant hold in his hand ?" u Yon 

* Ears are very clairvoyant in such cases.. 



168 

know as toell as I do, what do you ask me for?" a No, I do 
not know, Loraina, and I want you to tell me ; do you see 
it ?" " Yes, I see it, but I don't want to tell what it is, you 
are always asking me such foolish questions." u No, that 
is not foolish, do tell me what it is ?" She turned her head 
in various ways, and said, u JVb, I don't want to tell ; I see 
it, but I don't want to tell." One of the young ladies re- 
marked, u She can tell you, she sees it ; and I know she 
can tell you." I said c 'no, ladies, she does not know any 
more about it than you do, and depend upon it she cannot 
tell. u Then I must be a liar," said Dr. Capron, c; and hun- 
dreds other gentlemen must be liars, who know she has told 
things hundreds of miles off." " Oh, doctor, I only meant 
she could not tell according to my theory; you misconstrue my 
words; 1 mean, according to my theory, she does not possess 
clairvoyance, but if she will tell, in my presence, one single 
thing which you do not know, why then I will acknowledge 
that my theory is wrong." He continued asking her what I 
had in my hand, and she continued giving similar answers to 
the foregoing for nearly half an hour, when I clapped my 
hands near her ear, she started suddenly, and jerked her 
head eight or ten inches. All looked amazed. I said, u how 
do you account for that, doctor ?" He replied, u I think she 
sees, and in fact I know they see in that state all that is g< 
on in the room, and she has probably thought yon ;ng 

to strike her." She then said u that gentle inn, 
strike me ; I don't see what he wanted 
Oh I see the cause now, I remarked, I did not recollect that 
according to my theory they must see all that y< :' I 



* The reader must know she was wide awake, ami ac 
oar* from my words. 



169 

stepped behind her and opened my knife, which I raised and 
made a thrust at her head. I could see most of the ladies 
shudder, but Miss Loraina did not move a muscle. " How 
do you account for that, doctor ; she does r |not move^when I 
thrust a knife at her head ?" a Why, they don't always no- 
tice things ; 1 have observed frequently that they pay no 
attention to some things." I now clapped my hands again , 
and she started more than before ; the lady with a bonnet on 
remarked, u why she started as much as a person would do 
if awake." Miss Brackett remarked, u that gentleman is 
all the time wanting to strike me, I don't see what he ivants 
to strike me for ; I won't stay here now, I will go out :" 
and in a few minutes she left the room. Mr. Hartshorn now 
came in, and in a few minutes one of the young ladies said., 
u Loraina says she will come in when you want her." She 
was called in, and took her seat in the rocking chair. Much 
was said about her preferring to travel, and describe the fur- 
niture, which I declined, because nothing definite could be 
derived from it ; the flower was tried again, but she would 
not (could not) tell. Mr. Hartshorn requested me to go 
out and enclose it in a handkerchief. I did so, and enclosed 
the whole in paper. Mr. Hartshorn was now in magneti c 
-communication ; he put it in her hands, and asked her if she 
saw it, and asked her to describe it. She turned it over and 
over, felt and squeezed it, but continued to say u Yes, I see, 
but I don't want to tell, you knoiv as ivell as I do." Another 
half hour passed in this way ; she preferred describing furni- 
ture at a distance. u Well," said Mr. Hartshorn, u we will 
fly off, shall we go to Mr. Durant's, in New Jersey, he has 
a beautiful garden, you like flowers, shall we go and see 
kis garden." u Yes, I have been to New Jersey, and I mil 



170 

go to Mr. Taylor's, at Newark." "Well, you have been 
to see Mr. Taylor, let us fly to his house in Newark, do you 
see the house ? 55 " Yes, I am there," and she described the 
house, when Mr. Hartshorn put my envelope in her hand, 
saying, u Oh, here is something I picked up on the floor, 
tell me what it is ?" She said, " No, we are out of doors 
now on the ground, you want to cheat me, and I won't tell 
you for that." He conducted her into the house, and gave 
it into her hands again, saying " here is something I picked 
up on the floor, tell me w r hat it is ?" She turned it over in 
her hands, and said " that is the bundle I saw in Providence, 
some time ago, and a gentleman wanted me to tell him what 
it was, but I said I would not, and now you want to chaet me 
but I won't tell, because I said I would not." Mr. Hartshorn 
requested me to arrange something; else. I enclosed the leaf 
of a tree in stout cartridge paper, and gave it to him. She 
was describing the furniture, such as " a carpet on the floor, 
a piece of furniture on that side, chairs in the room, some- 
thing looks like a glass between the windows, &c," the old 
story over, when he placed the envelope in her hands, say- 
ing " here is something I found on the table, tell me what 
it is ?" After turning it over a dozen times, she said " / 
don't tcant to tell ; I see what is in it, but I don't want to tell. '* 
" Oh do tell, Loraina, you did not say you would not tell 
what this is ?" u No, I don't want to tell," and she went 
on to describe the furniture, u two lamps there, and a door 
on that side, &c." " Oh do tell what this is, Loraina, 
now, Mr. Durant thinks yon can't tell, and he will go to 
New York and say that we have deceived every one ; 
do tell to please me ?" u I see it, but 1 don't icunt to tell ;" 
and this kind of conversation continued until after twelve 



171 

o'clock, when they gave up, saying she never acted so be- 
fore. I told them it was singular that they all acted so with 
me, and that among all the somnambulists not one had ever 
told me a single thing which the magnetizer did not know? 
and then you will acknowledge that my theory is correct. 
Dr. Capron answered) " no, we know they can see ;" and 
here he named over Colonel Stone's letter,, and many things 
besides, to prove they could see; and he added, " youfleave 
a letter with me, and I will get her to read it when she goes 
to bed." I thanked him, but declined such an experiment, . 
and said, if she can read with invisible eyes let her now read 
a single sentence which I will enclose in. this paper. He 
declined, on account of something being the matter with her 
then, " she never acted so before." I told him I had come 
to Providence expressly to test my theory, and if he would 
name any time to show me another experiment to prove what 
he asserted of Animal Magnetism, I would remain for a week, 
or a month, to suit his convenience. He said, u we acknow- 
ledge Miss Brackett has failed with you in every thing, but 
it will happen so sometimes, and I hope before you leave, 
you will be able to see enough, in some of the other som- 
nambulists, to convince you we are right; but I can't set 
any time for another experiment with Miss Brackett, because 
there has been so many to see her lately that it has consumed 
too much of her time ; but if you will write a letter and seal 
it up, as Colonel Stone and Mr. Covill did, I will Jet her 
read it and send it, to you with the contents marked on the 
outside. 

So much for the celebrated Miss Brackett, and now for 
the true theory of her seeing. When she came in the room, 
after having left without leave, I saw the cotton had been 



172 



shifted, and was most ingeniously arranged. A little cotton 
was projecting from above, and a little from below the right 
eye; but in a line with the left temple, top of the nose and 
right eye, there was no cotton, and I could have run my fin- 
ger between the glass and eye in that line without touching 
the show of cotton at top and bottom of the spectacles. Thi 5 
accounts for seeing at the left temple,* and the cotton at the 
left eye being similarly arranged, accounts for seeing pictures 
over her head. At the conclusion of the experiment, when 
she had tired Hartshorn and C apron's patience, she rose in 
her sleep to go in the other room, when I caught her hand, 
and began to talk to her. Here she forgot she was not in 
magnetic communication with me, for she began talking very 
familiarly. She took hold of my whiskers, and said, u You 
think you are very handsome, I know you do; you think 
you look very fine tcith them ivhiskers ; you conceit you are 
somebody." So much for Miss Loraina Brackett's mo- 
desty ; the harengere of Paris w r ould not have done more ! 

* I explained this to Mr. Hartshorn, after we left the house. I hope he will put that 
ns a communic a.tion in Part Second of "Deleure." 



CHAPTER XIX. 

SIXTEENTH EXPERIMENT IN ANIMAL MAGNETISM 
AT PROVIDENCE. 

Jlliss Parker saiv a diseased spleen — hears a book and 
knife — -it is paper, but it ain't" — not quite asleep — mag- 
netized a little more — it is M, but it ain't—pantomime — - 
how the man ivhips that child — theory never worked better 
—■Col. Stone's picture in the notes. 

On leaving Miss Brackett, I called, pursuant to a previous 
appointment,* to witness an experiment with Miss Parker, at 
the residence of Dr. Brownell, who is her magnetizer, and a 
regular professor of the magnetic doctrine. Dr. Brownell 
is also an eminent physician, and bears an unblemished repu- 
tation for probity and honor. A short interview with that 
gentleman satisfied me that he was above suspicion of decep- 
tion, and as sincere and honest in his belief as the other pro- 
fessors of Animal Magnetism. 

Miss Parker* is one of the most celebrated somnam- 
bulists in this country. It was her who discovered the dis- 
eased spleen recorded in chapter four. She is about twenty- 
seven years of age, and in her true character, I would place 
her second best to all the somnambulists > Mrs. Andros being 
considered first for intelligence and tact in the deceptions of 
the craft. I, had a little previous conversation with Dr. 

* The first of this lady's fame was having four artificial teeth inserted while in mag' 
nctic sleep, without being consciousof it, until she was waked. This case is aften used 
in support of the doctrine; the true theory is this : she wanted four teeth, and suffered 
excruciating pain without complaining, for the sake of having the teeth inserted gratis^ 
She is poor, and I fear will remain so. unless she tries some; new science that my theory 
cannot unravel. 



?74 

Brownell about my theory. He thought he could convince 
me that Miss Parker possessed clairvoyance, and this expe- 
riment was expressly to satisfy me on that point. There 
were present Dr. Brownell, Dr. Miller, Mr. Church, Miss 
Parker, and myself. Brownell 's process for magnetizing is 
the same as that of Mr. Andros. The Doctor was seated 
about four feet from Miss Parker, and closed her eyes in 
about eight minutes, when he said she was in magnetic 
sleep, and insensible to any torture or noise, except from 
one in magnetic communication, and perfectly subject to his 
w4 will" in all her actions. She is never blindfolded, because 
she does not complain of the light. Her invisible eyes are 
generally on top of her head, though sometimes she sees best 
behind. She always keeps her eyelids a little open, in order 
to catch a glimpse of the object before it goes on top of the 
head or behind her. This is very important, because some- 
times the name of the object is not spoken aloud, and then 
it would be impossible to acquire the necessary knowledge 
by the magnetic cords through the ears. She is very shrewd, 
but she found my theory too deep for her shrewdness, as 
you shall see by the particulars of this experiment. She 
was seated in a rocking chair, directly in front of the sofa, 
on which sat Miller, Church, and myself. I requested the 
doctor to " will" the hand to raise, but he could only move 
it an inch or two. He remarked, this was extraordinary, 
because he could generally " will" the hand to touch the 
head.* I concluded to try the same game whicu I jriea 

* The true cause of failing to get the hand up, was, that both she and Miss Bracju u 
hoard of my theory working miracles on MissEbon, and they concluded to thwart me in 
that, atleast. Miss B. and Miss P. are great cronies; they com 
day, and tell each other what has transpired. By that m< ans they obtain much k* 
ledge in the way of" clairvoyance ;" these two have been m 
interesting stories are told of their " munkey shines :) m sue 



175 

with Miss Brackett, and asked Brownell if she could hear 
what I said. He replied, " no, she can hear nothing unless 
I will her to hear." I held a knife in my hand, and said 
audibly, cc see if she knows I have a knife in my hand." 
" What has Mr. Durant got in his hand?" "A knife." 
u See if she can tell that I have a book in my hand." 
u What has Mr. Durant got in his hand?" " He holds a 
book." u Yes, now we will try the other part of my 
theory, doctor ; and in this case you should not know your- 
self what I hold. Ask her what I have in my hand." I 
held a piece of pine chip behind her. u What does Mr, 
Durant hold in hishand ?" She hesitated some time, and 
said u It is paper." u Ask her what colored paper." 
u What is the color of the paper ?" u It is blue, nearly 
white." " Are you sure it is paper." " Yes." " Is 
there any writing on it ?" u There is some letters on it, 
but I cannot see what they are." These and similar ques- 
tions were repeated at least twenty times, and she continued 
to give similar answers. I held it perfectly enclosed in my 
hand to her head, face, and various other parts ; but still, 
cc it was paper — light blue — nearly white — some letters ca 
it." " What is the use of it ?" u I can't tell." « What 
is the shape of it?" u Long, and appears to be in tico 
parts." I now held it up open over her head, so that Mil- 
ler, Church, and Brownell could see it. Still u it is paper — 
nearly white — light blue — some letters on it — can't tell what 
they are — it is in two parts." u Which hand is it in ?" 
" Right." It was in the left. I now shifted it to the right 
hand. "Ask her if she is sure it is in the right hand ?" 
" Are you certain it is in the right hand ?" "It was then 
in the right hand, but it is now in the left." So she con- 



176 

tinued for more than a half hour, asserting the pine chip was 
"paper — light blue — writing on it — in two parts," <Scc. 
I clapped my hands suddenly, and she started as much as a 
person awake would do. cc How is that, Doctor ; she hears 
no one but you, and yet she starts at the noise I make ?" 
u Oh, she can't be sound asleep." tc Row do you know 
when she is sound asleep ?" u We know they are sound 
asleep when they tell correctly, and do not start at a noise," 
was his reply. " Well then, Doctor, she cannot be sound 
asleep, for she tells all wrong. You had better magnetize 
her more ;" so poor doctor went to work magnetizing her 
more, and asked her if she felt perfectly asleep ; u yes^ I 
am perfectly asleep , now ," was her reply. I clapped my 
hands, and she started again ; u how is that, doctor, she can- 
not be asleep yet ?" " Well, I don't know, she never start- 
ed so before ;" and here the doctor took up two books and 
clapped them together ; she moved very little, and he tried 
it again, when she scarcely stirred* a muscle ; u I think she 
is perfectly asleep, now," said the doctor, cc take the books 
and see if you can start her ;" I declined, and expressed 
myself satisfied that she was now asleep. Dr. Miller remarked, 
" suppose you try if she can read ; she does read in her 
sleep, don't she doctor ?" " yes, she can read, but she can 
always tell one letter best ; suppose you step in the other 
room, Dr. Miller, and put a large letter in a book, and hand 
it to me, I will see if she can tell what it is." Dr. Miller 
accordingly arranged a large letter in a book, and gave it to 
the doctor, who remarked, " the letter must be upright ;" 80 
Dr. Miller opened the book to be sure, and gave it to him, and 
he asked her to look at the letter, and tell what it was ; if- 

* She was, by tnat time, prepared to stand any noise. 
1 *> 



177 

ter a little hesitation she answered, " it is M, I think it is J\l v 
but I can't see very plain ;" u ask her to be sure ;" u are 
you sure it is M ?" u yes, it is M ;" he opened the book, 
and what do you suppose it was ? a large D, at least one inch 
long ; I pitied the poor doctor, and feared he would be 
obliged to believe my theory ; he could not account for so 
many failures. I asked the doctor if she could distinguish 
flowers ; and proposed trying her, which he consented to, 
and while I was taking some flowers from a bouquet, in the 
adjoining room, to cover a bottle of hartshorn, he came in ; 
I remarked, u we will see if I can cheat her ;" he made no 
objections, so I put it to her nose ; she immediately opened 
her mouth and ceased breathing at the nose, but she stood it 
w T ellj for nearly half a minute ; when the doctor thought it 
might strangle her, and wishing to keep him in good humor, 
I took it away; at that moment Dr. Miller remarked, iX there 
are tears in her eyes; she is crying about something ;" u Oh ! 
see hoiv the man is whipping the child," was her shrew T d ex- 
cuse. u She sees a man whipping a child, "* said the doc- 
tor ; who continued, u she often laughs and cries at things 
which she sees in her sleep." Dr. Miller proposed asking 
her the time by the clock. Dr. Brbwnell said, u try your 
watch Mr. Durant, alter the hands, and I think she will tell 
the time by it; she seldom fails in that." I did so, and held 
the face to the palm of my hand ; Dr. Brownell asked u what 
time is it by Mr. D want's watch ?" she hesitated a little and 

* Recollect, she had apt been out Of the room, even inspirit; her last ramble was, 
£uessing«< a letter in the room. They are all very shrewd in this particular, generally ; 
iithey are away describing fttrnitnre. and you suddenly ask (hem to look at something 
in the room, tliey will say, you must brim; mo back first, I can't come back alone. But 
she forgot heSrself in this particular instance; her excuse, to be consistent with the 
doctrine, should ha\ e been " dovtor, yniv room is full of sirawge smoke., I can't see it, 
and yeh't strangles ?nc, n or any excuse relating to the room which she was in. 



17S 

opened her mouth with a low whisper, " what do you say ;" 
u speak louder ; we don't hear you ;" she still continued to 
move the lips, as if replying to each question ; once the doc- 
tor said, " I think she says something about ten, and three."* 
< c Well, be sure you know what she does say, my ears are 
very sensitive, and although close to her lips, I cannot distin- 
guish a word ;" u speak louder ?" "I don't hear a word you 
say." This pantomimic farce continued more than half an 
hour, when he gave up, and said, u I don't hear what she 
says ; it is no use to question her any more ; she never acted 
so before, and I don't know the cause, unless it is something 
in the atmosphere about you."f u Well, doctor, you will 
acknowledged she has failed in every thing with me, except 
the book and knife, which you knewj yourself ; so you must 
give up all pretensions to seeing with invisible eyes." The 
doctor acknowledged again having failed with me, but 

* Here is a proof of her shrewdness, and a key to Col. Stone's picture?. She knew 
by my conversation with the doctor, that she had failed in every thing, and she knew the 
chance of guessing the time was not more than one in one thousand, and though she 
would not care much ahout this failure alone, yet this connected with the others, she 
knew would be a strong proof of her imposition, and therefore, she articulates some- 
thing to sound like three o'clock, and ten mihiit* s, but so low, that it might be taken foi 
any thing else. Now suppose the time by the watch was thirteen minutes past one, and 
all pr sent, including myself, were believers in the doctrine. I would then have said' 
" ask her again, and see if the ten is not owe," as that sounds like ten. She would hear 
it, and when asked, "speak louder, I can't hear you?" she would have said, •■ * 
* * one * * * *" " yes, 1 think she says one;" "well, that is correct, it is thirteen min- 
utes past one j' 1 "but she did not tell the minutes correct, see if you was correct about 
the three;" "speak louder, we can't hear you ; what lime is it?" and she wouldhave 
answered, " thirteen * ******** "yes, she says thirteen," and all present would 
have gone to a justice of the peace to make afhdavit.ihat Miss Parker told the rfm< 
watch, with the hands altered, when it was enclosed in paper, or at her back ; but my 
heory was too deep for one who can see a diseased spleen* The watch wast* 
minutes past four, and she would not have told it in four times twenty guess 

t Several of the professors attributed the total failure of all experiment! during the 
week I was at Providence, to " a bad atmosphere about Durante 

X I should think it strange, if she did not know those two things, when she had her 
«ar*open, for I spoke the names loud enough to be heard by an adder. 



179 

lie cited the case of diseased spleen, Col. Stone's letter, 
and talked about respectable proof of what had been 
done. I told the doctor, I was now through with all the 
principal somnambulists in Providence, and that they had all 
failed as Miss Parker had failed, but that I would stay a week 
or a month longer, if he would name a time to show me an- 
other experiment. He expressed sorrow both in words and 
looks, that every somnambulist had failed with me, but could 
not give another experiment, because Miss Parker had already 
spent too much of her time in these experiments ; be felt re- 
luctant to ask her for another. She had been waked up, and 
w 7 as then in the adjoining room, where Miss Brackett had 
just arrived on an afternoon call ; I heard a part of their con- 
versation, it was about the article* on Col. Stone's letter, 
which she, (Miss B.,) had just received in the N.'Y. Com- 
mercial, of the 4th Sept. ; they had a fine time over it, but 
I could not avoid a thought of the future, and in imagination, 
I saw Miss Parker weeping over this narration, (for she has 
some virtues, and some modesty ;) and I imagined myself 
saying to her, weep, woman, weep, for your dark deeds are 
unveiled ; weep for the disgrace you have brought on your- 
self ; weep for the stain which your deception has caused to 
your sex ; ,weep tears of repentance to wash out your ini- 
quities, registered in heaven ; weep, woman, weep tears of 
humanity, till your heart melts within you, for u Oh, see /'* 
I am now lashing " the child." 

* The article is contained in chapter if. 



CHAPTER XX. 

EFFECTS OF THE AUTHOR'S THEORY OF ANIMAL MAG- 
NETISM. 

Rev. Professor Daniel Greene, his marvellous works — Pro- 
fessor A. Potter — Sorry I wrote it — According to the 
theory — Can't count money — Can't look at a watch — Be- 
ware of my theory. 

My first interview with the Rev. Daniel Greene, was on 
the morning of the 4th, at my lodgings, in company with 
three other professors of Animal Magnetism. Professor 
Greene ranks very high as a magnetizer, because he tells the 
largest stories in relation to it. At the first interview, he 
told me much about his study and knowledge of the nervous 
system, and the many marvellous things he had performed on 
his patients, while in the magnetic sleep. H<^ said, a by the 
will alone I have paralyzed my patient's arm, I have paraly- 
zed the half of the body, including the brain, and so com- 
pletely, that the patient could not have felt it, if I then had 
cut the body in two, only taking care to follow down the par- 
alyzed line, and I know lean stop the breath and cause 
death in a person by my will in fifteen minutes." 

I praised his great knowledge of the nervous system, and 
endeavored, by flattery, to induce him to show me an expe- 
ment with his best subject, but he declined, saying " hi 
plenty more magnetizers, ivho will show you their suhj< ■ 
what is the use of showing you ? You will be like many 
others who come here to see ; you won't believe it when I 
show it to you — I am going to New York soon, to give some 
lectures, and then you may see it." I explained to him my 



181 

theory, but he would not hear it, and continued talking about 
his knowledge of the nervous system. I now 7 tried to drive 
him, and told him there was no such thing as clairvoyance, 
which I could prove by Messrs. Andros and Potters, wlo 
were present : but all would not do ; he would not show me 
Miss Jones, his patient. He told Mr. Potter, the next day, 
that the reason why he would not let me see his patient was, 
because he was going to New York himself, in a few days, 
to lecture, and u Bur ant would only put my eyes out."* 
On the 6th of Sept., when in company with my friend, Mr. 
John Miller, (associate editor of the Providence Journal,) 
on our return from witnessing the commencement ceremo- 
nies of Brown University, we met the Rev. Daniel Greene. 
I again tried to obtain an experiment from him, but without suc- 
cess. I said to him, u here is my watch, worth fifty or one 
hundred dollars ; I will shift the hands, roll it in paper, and 
if your patient will tell the time by it, within one or two 
minutes, I will make her a present of it. I will put a dozen 
bank notes in separate papers, and if your somnambulist will 
tell merely the denomination and bank, without asking her to 
read any thing else on them, I will make her a present of 
them. If she tells only a few of them correct, I will not 
give her any, for I can guess at a few in a dozen, but she 
must tell them all to obtain them as a present ; and if she 
can see the tenth part as well as you say she can, she ought 
to read every word and letter on them, which I do not re- 
quire. You say she is poor, and you are going to lecture 
with her for money, so you can have no excuse for not com- 
plying with this offer ;" but all would not. do, he would not 
consent to show me his patient, but named over many 



* The parables of the Rev. professor are not generally very inteliijible. 



1S2 

wonderful things she had done, and named respectable peo- 
ple who would swear to it ; he said he should be lecturing 
soon in New York, and then he would he very much pleased 
to show me how much he could do. 

I have said all the magnetizers are sincere and honest in 
the belief of the magnetic doctrine, but I have had some 
doubts about the Rev. Professor Daniel Greene, of Paw- 
tucket, and though I still entertain some doubt, I will throw 
it in the scale of mercy, and believe him sincere. The his- 
tory I have already given of him I know will leave an im- 
pression on the mind of the reader that Daniel is an impos- 
tor, but I will sketch what may, probably, be his true cha- 
racter. He is a preacher of the gospel, and a practitioner 
in the healing art ; he is about 45 years of age, and posses- 
ses more sagacity than intellect ; he delights in telling mar- 
vellous things, and he is so credulous, that after he lias told 
over two or three times what he at first knew to be wrons;, 
he begins then to believe it himself, and seriously and hones; 
ly tells it for truth ; he is much celebrated as a professor ol 
Animal Magnetism, yet people, generally, do not believe one 
half that he says on any subject. I will give one instance of 
his credulity, which occurred after I left Providence ; it was 
told to me by one of his brother professors; the particulars 
are these : — Professor C. Potter (of whom I have before 
spoken) engaged a young lady somnambulist to go with him 
to New York, for the purpose of lecturing ; she was in indi- 
gent circumstances, and he advanced money to "fit her 
out." She resided in the neighborhood of Mr. Greene, 
who told her and her friends that Professor C. Potter was 
cousin to the Rev. Mr. Potter, well known in that vicinity 
as having been once expelled the church for a lascivious 



183 

transaction with a young lady : he said this merely to pre- 
vent professor Potter from superceding him in the New 
York lectures, and he told the young lady that he would re- 
imburse the advanced funds if she would not go with Mr. 
Potter. Professor Potter of course heard all this, and took 
pains to prove to professor Greene that he was in no way 
connected with Rev. Mr. Potter, and asked him to contra- 
dict the falsehood he had circulated; but reader, will you be- 
lieve it, Daniel has neither contradicted the falsehood nor 
reimbursed the money ; and I think it is because he told the 
story so many times, that his credulity received it as a truth, 
and promising many times to pay the money, induces him 
to believe that he actually paid it. I would not have blotted 
these pages with such a character, but justice requires a 
passing notice of such a celebrated pro'fessor, whose marvel- 
lous deeds are recorded in the u Translation of Deleuze, 55 
and who is frequently cited as a very respectable witness 
to prove the truth of Animal Magnetism. He is a living 
satire on his race, and one such man as Rev. Daniel Greene 
would cause more injury to the Christian religion, than 
would five thousand open and avowed infidels. 

Before meeting Mr. Greene this time, professor Americus 
Potter and professor Andros called on me at the City Hotel. 
I told them that Dr. Brownell had consented only to give 
me an experiment with Miss Parker, on condition that I 
would afterwards make her a present, in some delicate man- 
ner, to compensate for her time, which she could not afford 
to lose in experiments •; but I added, she told me nothing 
correct yesterday, and my conscience will not permit me to 
make her a present under such circumstances; but I will fold 
a dozen bank notes in paper, and also enclose my watch in 



184 

paper, and if she will tell the denomination o; ;he notes, ami 
lime by the watch, she may have them all as a present. 
Those two gentlemen and myself called on Dr. Brownell, to 
make him the offer, but as he was not in, I requested they 
would see him as soon as he came in, and make him the 
offer ; and I also told them I would do the same to any som- 
nambulist whom they would induce to make the attempt. 
Mr. Potter asked me if I had Hartshorn's book, (published 
that day.) On answering in the affirmative, he asked if I 
saw a letter in it from him to Mr. Hartshorn. I answered 
no ; when he said " perhaps he has reserved it for the se- 
cond part. I wrote, by his request, a description of one of 
my somnambulists, but I will not now allow it to be pub- 
lished, for since I have seen you I have changed my mind 
some, and lam sorry that 1 wrote it."* 

1 gave notice to all the professors, that I would leave for 
New York on the afternoon of the 6th, but offered to remain 
a week or a month longer if they would set a time to show 
me another experiment. I had been sufficiently open in my 
conversations to convey to many gentlemen a tolerably 
correct idea of my theory, and, on the day I left, it began to 
be understood ; for a gentleman opposite to me at the dinner 
table, by accident, overturned his champaigne glass, when he 
remarked, u Burant, that is according to the the 
About a dozen of my friends and acquaintances called to 
me at the hour of departure ; among them were Mr. John 
Miller, Dr. Miller, Messrs. Dyers, also professors A. Potter 
and Andros. I was explaining, in light humor, some of the 
effects of my theory, when professor A. Potter remark 

* Ptofesser Potter is not the only one in Providence who recei> I so i 
the marvellous effects produced by my theory. Mr. Hartshorn opei 
wide, whea I told him aboul the cotton behind Mu 
whether numb ej two ofDeleuze will eve . hi in this h i: 



iC Ah ! Durante that curl* in your under lip satisfies me 
that your theory is merely a step to knock something else 
down." I turned to him and said, recollect that I have wit- 
nessed every experiment in Animal Magnetism which the 
professors are willing to show me, and I have seen all the 
best somnambulists, but in every instance I have proved my 
theory, and the somnambulists have failed to show a single 
case of clairvoyance, or to do any thing which I cannot do 
when awake. Now I leave Providence, and I wish to recall 
to your mind that I have not said a word against the science, 
but I warn you, Mr. Potter, to be aware of my theory.! 



CHAPTER XXI. 

SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH EXPERIMENTS IN 
ANIMAL MAGNETISM AT NEW YORK. 

Miss Ayres — Magnetic convulsions — Author sees thoughts 
with invisible eyes — she hears the wrong hand — can't see 
my theory — / thought so, too — Mysterious dream of the 
author — Chips turned to money- — Exchange very high — 
Notes should be taken up and read. 

On my arrival in New York, (7th September,) I called 
on professors William W. Grant, and Christopher Potter, at 
Clinton Hall Hotel, where they were preparing for public 
lectures, with Miss Ayres, a cousin to Mr. Grant. Pro- 
fessor Grant is a native of Providence, and a young man of 
wealthy and respectable family, and on all subjects except 
the magnetic science, he converses w 7 ith good sense. He, 

• I had continued to praise the science, and I wonder how Mr. Potter could see so 
much in a curled lip; but I begin lo be a physiognomist, for a little girl, to whom I am 
pledged for life, has told me more than once that my pretty lips had won her heart. 
When I finish this book, I intend to satisfy myself on that point by a. peep inthe' glass. 



186 

like the other professors, is sincere and honest in his belief, 
and evidently above the practice of deception. 

I first saw him at the Varick House, at the time Mis. 
Andros was residing there. He was then alone on a recon- 
noitering tour, and as I was going to Providence, I requested 
him to give me a letter which might procure an experiment 
with his cousin, Miss Ayres, then in Providence; but he 
declined, because, in such a case, she must be magnetized 
by some person other than himself, which is considered in- 
jurious by all the professors of the science. I endeavored 
to prevail on Mr. Potter to obtain from Miss Ayres an ex- 
periment while in Providence ; but he said she would not 
consent that any person but her cousin, Mr. Grant, should 
magnetize her. It is Christopher Potter who came with her 
to meet Mr. Grant in New York, and the same Mr. Potter 
as the reader must recollect, who .magnetized Miss Ann 
Eliza Ebon. Another lady, sister to Mr. Grant, was also 
at. the Clinton Hotel when I saw them. The conversation, 
of course, turned on my visit to Providence, and Mr. Pot- 
ter remarked, u I don't understand how you succeeded so 
well with me and Miss Ebon, for we have been trying with 
Miss Ayres, and your theory don't work with her. I think 
you will be satisfied that you can't affect her the same as you 
did Miss Ebon. " Miss Ayres was now present ; also. Miss 
Grant and Mr. Grant, in parlor No. 6. The reader will 
recollect that Mr. Potter was in Providence, and knew o\ 
my experiments to defeat the somnambulists and what 
knew had of course been talked over in presence of Miss 
Ayres, and therefore it might be supposed she would be pre- 
pared and guarded against every attack that I could make on 
her deception ; but no magnetic somnambulist has ever lived 



187 

who could withstand the scrutiny of my all-searching theory. 
I remarked to Mr. Potter that, though I found every subject 
differ a trifle, yet all seemed to harmonize, and I thought I 
could convince him by an experiment with Miss Ayres that 
my theory was too firmly based to be overturned. Mr. 
Grant offered an experiment at once, and using the same 
process as that used by Mr. Andros, he put her in magnetic 
sleep in about five minutes. He then extended his hand, 
and hers rose to meet it, and he pronounced her u sound 
asleep." She now commenced a musical* sound in the 
throat, which sounded much like a chorus of singers at a 
distance, and Mr. Grant, calling my attention to it, asked if 
I ever observed the same phenomenon in any other somnam- 
bulist, I answered, "it is the first case of the kind that I 
have witnessed, and I -am much pleased to see something so 
new and interesting ; but, some time at our leisure, I will 
explain the cause of it by my theory." 

She now commenced twitching the hands, and closing her 
fists; she flourished them in the air, and drumming on her 
breast and epigastrium alternately with each, and occasionally 
with both together. Mr. Grant remarked, that those convul- 
sions were generally attendant on her magnetic sleep ; but 
less severe now than in the first experiments. I told him 
I was much pleased to see an exhibition of the magnetic con- 
vulsions, so strongly developed ; and remarked further, the 
strongest convulsive symptoms that I have previously wit- 
nessed, were in Miss Brackett, but she only moved the arms 
by sudden twitches, scarcely raising the hand more than three 
or four inches ; it is particularly gratifying for me to witness 

* Tlie music was the same as that produced by ventriloquists, and ragged boy.6 who 
infest the market docks. I am not much acquainted with music, but I think the tones 
were much softer than those from the bassoon. 



188 

such strong symptoms, because I will be able to explain hqw 
you may, by my theory, subdue them almost entirely, if not 
all together ; they are caused by the magnetic fluid meeting 
with obstructions through the system, the same as water sud- 
denly emptied on the ground will start by sudden twitches 
in various directions through the earth, until a small clear 
channel is formed through which it may pass off freely. 80 
with the magnetic fluid, it meets with obstructions at first, and 
the best way to quiet the convulsions will be to drive out the 
obstructions by forcing a stronger magnetic current through 
the system ; now, try the manipulations by the hands, and 
see if you can't u will'' 3 enough of the magnetic fluid through 
the system to stop the convulsions.^ He commenced draw- 
ing the hand from her forehead down to the toes, and then 
shaking the fingers, so that no fluid would adhere to them ; 
and so on alternately, commencing at the forehead, and end- 
ing at the toes, where he shakes the fluid from the fingers as 
a cat would shake off the fluid of a puddle from her feet. In 
one or two minutes the convulsions entirely ceased. f 

Miss Ayres does not complain of the light, and therefore 

' The true theory of these convulsions will be best understood by the reader, 
the description of a natural case of somnambulic convulsions which I witnessed 
months since in the city of New York, when passing that den of iniquity called the 
u Five Points." I saw something in the form of a human being, (the African race,) in 
female attire, lying partly on the side walk and partly in the gutter ; her fists 
clenched and flourishing in the air, and ever and anon she would strike her breast and 
epigastrium, with one or both hands alternately. As I passed her, she dashed b< 
in the gutter, and came nigh disfiguring my boots and pantaloons with the mud and 
dirty water. She also exhibited the phenomenon of music in the throat; the tones 
were a little more harsh than those sent forth by Miss Ay res, and 1 caught the MtCI 
as they grated on the ear, like— G * * d * * * y * * * * s * * * y * * d * * * w ' * ' * i ' 
h * * " w * * * y * * d * * * y * * 1 * * in * a * * * *. The theory is precisely the same 
in both cases, it is a " volition of the will." 

t The reader must readily perceive the cause of ceasing. Her cars were open, and 
srie" wanted a little science about it, so she •onformed to the M will" or •OUYtnttfoBl cu 

the subject 

% 



189 

she is never blindfolded. She always keeps the eyelids 
open a little, so she can see the object before it goes on top 
of her head, where she sees with u invisible eyes." She 
also takes good care to sit close up to the wall, or in a cor- 
ner so yon can't get behind her ; and it was not until I used 
great persuasion that I could induce her to sit a little remov- 
ed from the wall. There was a letter lying on the centre 
table addressed to u Wra. W. Grant, New York," which 
she had undoubtedly had in her hands a dozen times. She 
also sat facing the table with her eyes enough open to see all 
that was going on. I took up the letter, and holding it open 
before her, said to Mr. Grant, u ask her if she can see this 
letter ?" " What has Mr. Durant got in his hand ?" u A 
letter ," was her reply. I now held the letter carelessly with 
the inscribed side towards her, and within two feet of her 
eyes, and said to Mr. Grant, u ask her if she can read the 
superscription on the letter." u Tell me what writing is on 
the outside of the letter ?" She answered, u William TV, 
Grant, New York." I praised her ready and distinct an- 
swer, as being superior in some respects to the other som- 
nambulists, and explained it according to my theory, in the 
usual way. Mr. Grant knew what was on the letter, and his 
knowledge was conveyed to her brain by the magnetic cords, 
as he was in magnetic communication with her.* 

I asked if she could hear me, and Mr. Grant gave the 
usual answer, " oh, no, she could not hear a cannon fired by 
her ear." I now said, I want to try an experiment the same 
as I tried with you, Mr. Potter, on Miss Ebon ; I wrote on 

■ The reader must see it was a very strong cord this time, for not only had she read 
it many times, but her eyes were also a little opon, and she saw me take it from the 
table, and I held it close enough to read even if she never saw it before. Ears were 
not necessary in this case. 

| 



190 

on paper, will the left hand to raise, and gave it to Mr. 
Grant ; I now said, audibly, " will the left hand to raise, 
this is the same as I tried w r ith Miss Ebon." He " willed," 
and up came the right hand. Mr. Grant opened his eyes; 
and Mr. Potter, looking at the paper, smiled, and w r as about 
to say, "that ay'nt the same as you tried with me," but I 
said, hush ! and raising my hand, he stopped at u that ay'nt 
***,***';'* I remarked, as this is an experiment of the 
will and mind, you must not make any remarks ; I want to 
try another of the same as I tried with you and Miss Ebon; 
I wrote on paper, which I gave to Mr. Grant, will the right 
hand to raise. I then said audibly, " be sure you do what I 
wrote on the paper, will the right hand to raise." He 
u willed," and, reader, w^ould you believe it, the left hand 
rose gracefully up to the chin. Mr. Grant remarked, " why. 
that is not the same as you tried with Miss Ebon." Yes, that 
is the same, and according to my theory, in some cases, I 
must take them in contraries. u How is that according to 
your theory? I don't understand it," said Mr. Potter. Why. 
I wrote right hand and you tried to will it ; M yes," and I 
said right hand ; " yes ;" then I willed the left hand to de- 
feat you ; so you must acknowledge it was according to my 
theory. u Why no, it is not according to your theory, un- 
less the theory is to defeat the will of the magnetizcr ;" 
said Mr. Potter. Well, that is a part of the theory ; it is 
the effect of the mind; and if I had time to explain it all to 
you, you would see it clear as noon-day ; some time I will 
write it out, and then you will comprehend the whole at a 
glance ;* let us now try another experiment of clairvoy- 

* The true theory in this case, is a most effectual stab at the heart of the pretended 
science ; it is quite equal to ccrin or opening of Mis* £7o#n'j eye*, or 
ping that child.' 1 ' The positive pretended effect of Animal Magnetism, [a U command a 

M 



191 

ancev I took from my pocket the selfsame chip which Miss 

Parker had transformed into a u piece of paper, blue, nearly 

white, and some letters on it." I held the chip enclosed 

in my hand, and requested Mr. Grant to ask her what I held, 

u What does Mr. Durant hold in his hand ?" " It is round, 

it looks like money, it is bright ;" "yes, but see if she can 

tell what kind of money it is ;" u what kind of money is it?" 

u It is a quarter of a dollar;" u see if she can tell the 

date ;" " what is the date of it ?" u eighteen, two — " ff ask 

her if she is sure the third figure is a two ;" and I now 

opened the hand over her head, and held the chip exposed 

to the view of Mr> Potter and Mr, Grant, both of whom 

showed a half willing smile, as Mr. Grant said, u are you 

certain the third figure is atwo?" u eighteen — eighteen- — - 

three — " cc ask her what the fourth figure is;" u w T hat is the 

fourth figure on it ?." u eighteen hundred and thirty — " M ask 

her if she is sure it is money ;" \f look again, and see if you 

are not mistaken ; are you sure it is money ?" cc yes, it is a 

quarter of a dollar, eighteen hundred and thirty ;" and so 

she continued for full half an hour, insisting the poor pine 

chip was H a quarter of a dollar." I have preserved it as 

a most singular phenomenon ; and intend to deposit it, with 

the cerin paper, in one of the museums. It may do as a 

" will" the actions of the somnambulist. I wrote left and said left hand, and yet the right 
hand raised; and again I wrote right hand and said right hand, when, according to all 
laws and all theories (except my own,) the right hand should have raised, but instead of 
that, the left hand comes up ; why, if her head had then jumped from the body, it would 
have been as consistent as to raise the left hand. Hero is the keyby which you may open 
it. Mr. Potter and Mr. Grant had talked to her about my wonderful manoeuvre in -perform- 
ing all things on Miss Ebon, which I spoke aloud when Mr. Potter had a memorandum on 
paper to will some contrary thing. She knew such things would expose the deception, 
and she resolved to thwart me. She thought I was really trying the same game with 
her, and she concluded when I said left hand, tliat the writing was right hand, and she 
raised it accordingly. It never occurred to her light hollow brara, that I knew whaUAfi 
tnew, and could read with "invisible eyes'' her very thoughts,. 



192 

substitute for the u paper currency ;" then those who are 
handy with a penknife, according to her own and my theories, 
will never want for change. This was readily explained, 
according to my theory ; when you first asked the question, 
you did not know what it was, therefore you could not con- 
vey any correct idea of it, but you involuntarily conceived 
on your brain that it w r as a quarter of a dollar, and the mag- 
netic cords conveyed that idea from your brain to hers, 
after I opened my hand and showed you it was a chip ; but 
the first impression, (quarter dollar,) was so strongly im- 
pressed on your brain, (particularly by knowing she had fail- 
ed, which caused you to think the stronger,) that the incorrect 
impression still remained strongest, and must of course be 
carried by the magnetic cords to her brain." Several other 
experiments succeeded equally well, and having finished, she 
was waked up ; and while conversing on the science generally, 
eight or nine gentlemen entered, I think by appointment 
with Mr. Grant, to see a private experiment; they were 
principally clergymen, and among them were Rev. Mr. 
Frederick Farley, of Providence, also Mr. Farley, his broth- 
er, of New York, and Mr. John R. Bartlett, firm of Je-s; p, 
Swift & Co., New York. The conversation soon turned 
on my theory, which, by request, I explained, to the apparent 
delight and satisfaction of all present ; the Rev. Frederick 
Farley thought, u it is very clearly explained, and a very 
ingenious theory, at all events ;" I thought so too, but I did 
not wish to express my candid opinion. 

The day after (8th September) the first experiment with 

* The true theory is this, I used her own ears to derive herself; in taking the-flttek 
from my pocket, I took care to shake some keys which ■winded like "something round, 
money, silver;" and I caused Mr. Grant to put leading questions, t<> lead net in the trap. 
as Col. Stone was led into his own room, and thexe blinded against his " mlL 9i 

ft? 



193 

Miss Ayres, I saw Mr. Hall, of the Commercial Advertiser, 
to whom I had explained my true theory, as he, I knew, 
esteemed Animal Magnetism as highly as myself. He then 
called my attention to the following advertisement in the 
Commercial Advertiser of the 7th, (the preceding day :) — 

"ANIMAL MAGNETISM.— At the urgent solicitation of a number of 
scientific and literary gentlemen, as well as of many ladies, the subscriber has 
been induced to tarry a few days in this city, for the purpose of exhibiting a 
few experiments illustrative of the remarkable phenomena of Animal Mag- 
netism. Having a subject possessed of the powers of somnambulism to a 
considerable extent, he is enabled to satisfy the most sceptical of the truths 
of the science, and the more fully to convince them, has no objection to 
submit his experiments to the most rigid scrutiny. He proposes giving an 
exhibition at the Clinton Hotel, to a limited number of ladies and gentlemen. 
Cards for admission to which can be obtained at the Clinton Hotel, and at 
Mr. C. Shepherd's bookstore, No. 262 Broadway. Hours of admission at 12 
M., and 8 P. M. 

He will also wait upon parties at their own houses, when a private exhibi- 
tion is preferred; and will be happy to see those who desire to witness such 
an exhibition, at the Clinton Hotel, between the hours of 9 and 11 A. M., and 
4 and 6 P. M. WM. W. GRANT, of Providence, R. I." 

In the conversations with Messrs. Grant and Potter, I had 
understood them to say they would not in some days yet be 
prepared for public lectures, and I hoped before that time 
arrived, to send them out of the city, as I had done Mr. 
Andros. I intended, as soon as leisure from other business 
would permit, to write out my theory, which I knew would 
not only stop all exhibitions of Animal Magnetism wherever 
it would be read, but I also knew, or thought I knew, that 
the very professors would be so much ashamed of it, that 
they would soothe their u spasmodic twitchings''' by saying, 
"well, if it is all deception, New York helped to pay for 
it." I have some local pride, and as I drew the fluid of the 
future through my brain, I felt such a sentence in relation to 
my native city grate very harsh upon my ear, and I even 
imagined that I heard others saying, " Durant, why did you 
permit them to deceive us, and get our money, when you had 
at that time in your possession such overwhelming testimony 



194 

to undeceive us." I wished to avoid such a severe rebuke in 
the future, and I consulted Mr. Hall as to the most judicious 
plan of operations. If I went there and explained the true 
theory to the visitors, the genuine fluid might be caught by 
some well disposed persons, who sometimes carry a dark 
resin and plumes to mark the subjects of their displeasure, 
and such a result would only make things worse, for two 
ladies were in the case, and u tar always leaves a stain." 
So I resolved to open a private u account current, 5 ' to be 
4 c balanced" after my leisure would permit, to disclose the 
true theory of Animal Magnetism, when I knew that all 
private wrongs would be obliterated by the public good. I 
submitted my plan to Mr. Hall, and it having received his 
sanction, I thought it prudent to put it in execution ; for I 
knew that with his benevolent feelings and correct judgment 
of things, he w r ould not sanction any thing which the world 
at large would condemn. I now went, of course, to Mr. 
James W. Hale, and gave a diagram of the camp, and mode 
of attack. He being my aid in this warfare, of course 
buckled on his armor at the first tap of the drum. I always 
feel an aversion to dark deeds, when awake, and therefore, 
I will tell what occurred in a dream. I willed a u magnetic 
sleep" on myself, and I saw (in spirit) a man go in and out 
at the " exchange broker's.' 5 I saw him purchase for one 
dollar a ten dollar note on some society in Ohio ; and he 
procured for fifty cents a five dollar note on a broken bank 
of Maine ; at another place in Courtlandt street, he procured 
a five dollar note of the Washington Banking Company, and 
a three of some other bank, for fifty cents each ; making in 
all twenty-three dollars, for which he paid in all two dollar-. 
I saw him go to Mr. Hale, and after some whispering, they 



195 

sallied out in the high ways and bye ways, and ever and 
anon stopping to whisper something mysterious in the ears of 
those they met on the peregrination, and each one instantly 
turne.d to follow them to Lovejoy's Hotel, where they all 
(thirteen in number) collected around this mysterious look- 
ing man, who addressed them thus : — 

u Gentlemen— there is an exhibition of Animal Magnetism 
to be held in the Clinton Hotel, at 12 o'clock. Now this 
pretended science is all a delusion, as I will be able to prove 
to you hereafter, when I shall make it so plain that every 
man will be able to magnetize himself, and perform all the 
wonders which these somnambulists perform. But when I 
shall make it known, people will be sorry that they ever 
paid a dollar to see it, and the professors will be so much 
ashamed of having practised a deception instead of a science^ 
that they will endeavor to palliate their chagrin by saying 
c well, New York helped to pay for it,' and if they actually 
receive fifteen or twenty dollars, they will magnetize it into 
one or two hundred dollars. Now, to save the credit of the 
city, I have bought some broken bank money, and they will 
be so glad to receive something ■ for the science, they will 
suppose it is good money, and give good change in return. 
This good change we will keep to balance accounts when the 
whole theory is known. Now, to prevent falling in magnetic 
sleep ourselves, we must present the largest bills first, and 
then they cannot give us any small broken bank bills in 
change. That is called the theory of change. I shall be 
with you, and when you look at ray wand, a fluid will reach 
your brain, and direct you what to do. You must be very 
civil, because there are two ladies in the room ; and you 
must never say a word about this, until I am ready to pub- 



196 

lish my theory of the mysterious fluid. There is a bar-room 
down stairs, and for fear the magnetizer may direct the will 
there, to ask the bar-keeper about the currency of the notes, 
it will be necessary to let him in the secret, and then, if 
asked about the money, he can say he has no change, but 
almost any money is good enough since paper was mag- 
netized at Washington." 

Here they all left the room, and I saw nothing of them 
until in about one hour, when I followed them (in spirit) 
into the same room at Lovejoy's hotel, where I before over- 
isard their conversation ; they were now all giggling like a 
flock of geese. I found they had been to see the magneti- 
zers; and being only thirteen of them, and tickets one dollar 
each, they had ten dollars in good money as change, which 
they handed out to that mysterious man (he looked just like 
a theory) ; and I overheard him whisper to them thus: — 
^Now, gentlemen, you must keep dark about all this, until I 
have time to explain all my theory, and then, if we find they 
shall have received less than ten dollars good money, we will 
make up the balance, but if they ever receive ten dollars or 
more in New York for magnetizing, then we will keep this 
ten to balance accounts ; because they should not receive 
money from the citizens for doing what every citizen (by the 
aid of my theory) will be able to do for himself without 
money ; and by that means we shall save the character of 
the city from such epithets as, well, you *Yew Yorfa 
to pay for it." 

That mysterious man ceased talking, and I overheard one 
of the company say to him, u it takes you to do things^ and 
another one said, " now you all recollect that there were no 
persons in the room who paid for entrance except oursch cs. " 



197 

u Yes," said another one, u and I was there last evening by 
invitation ; it was the first exhibition, and they did not thera 
receive a dollar, for there were only five persons present, 
who all came (gratis like myself) by invitation." The 
whole company then dispersed, and on awaking, I retained 
recollection of what I h&d seen ; and it is not since entirely 
obliterated from rny brain. 

About half-past twelve o'clock on the Sth, I called on 
Messrs. Grant and Potter, at the Clinton hotel — Miss Ayres 
and Miss Grant were present. On entering the parlor, I 
expressed some surprise at not seeing visitors and an exhibi- 
tion; saying, I saw an advertisement in which you announce 
an exhibition at twelve to-day. Mr. Grant remarked, u we 
intended an exhibition, but as no persons have called, we 
concluded to postpone it." I said to them, I would nol 
think of postponing it, for in passing through the bar-room I 
heard a number of gentlemen talking about magnetism ; and 
I inferred from their conversation that they were coming up 
stairs : it is usual for New Yorkers to be always half an hour 
behind the time at all theatres and exhibitions. While such 
conversation was going on, a rap at the door announced some 
visitors to see the exhibition. One gentleman gave Mr. 
Potter a ten to pay for six persons ; he appeared agitated 
with delight, and diving both hands in different pockets, he 
drew out his pocket-book, from which he gave them four 
dollars change. Another arrival of four gentlemen with jive 
dollars, one dollar change. Again a jive dollar bill paid for 
three persons and received two dollars change ; and again a 
three received one dollar change. From such a crowd of 
persons rushing in together, I began to think Mr. Grant 
would do an excellent business in Animal Magnetism, and I 



193 

believe both him and Mr. Potter thought so too, for they 
were exceedingly lively in handing chairs to the company, 
and making excuses for not having had tickets prepared to 
save time in making change at the door. They at the same 
time exhibited a superior dignity, and seemed conscious that 
the eyes of the world were looking to them for a lecture on 
the wonderful science of Animal Magnetism. I am not well 
versed in similies, but I could not avoid comparing each of 
the professors to an East India nabob, reclined under his 
own fig tree, with a rainbow in his mouth, and smoking a 
cluster of spice islands. But after all the fuss, there were 
only thirteen who paid to see the exhibition. I was acquaint- 
ed with one of the gentlemen, Mr. James W. Hale, whom 
I had seen in company with the professors. I ascertained 
that the names of the others were Captain A. C. Delano, of 
New York, Samuel F. Caldwell, do.; Isaac C. Pray, editor 
of the Boston Herald; Mr. Rixford of Nantucket ; Charles 
Burdett, reporter for the New York Courier and Enquirer; 
Mr. Ames, a lawyer of New York; Mr. Bigelow, do. ; Mr. 
Kingsbury of Portland ; Dr. Clark, of Jersey City ; Mr. 
Davis, and two other gentlemen, whose names I did not 
learn. I had a u faint recollection" of having seen all those 
gentlemen before ; and it occurred to my mind that they 
might be the same party that I saw in my magnetic sleep — 
but as to that, I would not like to say positively. After a few 
preliminary remarks by the professors, Miss Ayres closed 
her eyes (nearly as usual) by the " mental will" of professor 
Grant. I proposed putting me in magnetic communication, 
as the gentlemen were strangers, and would probably prefer 
seeing the experiments tried by one acquainted with it. Mr. 
Grant told her to hear what I should say, and I was thus "cloth- 



199 

u ed with the power of enjoying her exclusive company ! ! ! 
u I then commenced a conversation with Miss Ay res upon or- 
u dinary subjects, just as I would have done with any strange 
u lady (strange kind of lady !) to whom I might be introdu- 
66 eed, talking upon various matters, and she conversing in a 
iC sprightly and intelligent manner, using very correct English. 
" In the course of my remarks, I now asked her if she would 
u like to visit'^ Jersey City ? "She replied, that she would. 
iC ' She should like to go there very well. 5 I then observed 
6i that it would afford me pleasure to accompany her; and 
u asked, how shall we go ? Shall we take the steamboat" 
Sussex ? u It is a very fine boat, and now lies at the dock. 
a She replied, she did not like to go in a steamboat, it made 
u her sick. This remark was noted as affording an illustra- 
u tion of her former ideal voyages, in which she actually be- 
u came sea-sick, ( c and vomited in a lady's lap,') aswasre- 
a ported to me," (by Dr. Capron,) from professor Grant, — 
u 'How then will you go ?' c I should like to go through the 
" air. J 'Very well,' I replied, 'we will step into a balloon, 
u that will be a pleasant mode of travelling. She did not, 
u however, seem to comprehend what was meant by a bal- 
u loon," (yet she had seen balloons, and knew that I was 'a 
balloon man,') u and repeated her desire to go through the 
u air. I assured her that I would as gladly accompany her 
u that way as any other. ' But you must not let me fall,' said 
u she. ' Oh no,' I replied, ' I am used to that mode of travel- 
" ling, and will bear you up with perfect safety.' " 

She still continued to object to travelling in the balloon, 
and said, u I ivill fly there." 

u Saying which, she grasped my right hand more firmly — 
u took my left hand, and pressed upon both tremulously, as 



200 

iC if buoying herself up. I raised my hands some ten or 
" twelve inches, very slowly, favoring the idea that she was 
u ascending. c You must keep me up,' she said, with a 
u slight convulsive grasp, or rather shuddering grasp,'' (like 
the thing in the gutter, affected with natural convulsions,) 
u as though apprehensive of a fall. i Certainly,' I replied, 
u c I am used to these excursions;' and away, in imagination, 
u \veflew!!! c Oh,' said she, ' how I like to travel in 
a this way, it is so easy, and we go so quick.' ' Yes,' I 
4fi answered, c and here w T e are, at" Jersey City. Come, 
we will go right through the window. 

u She then grasped my hand, and bore down, exactly as 
" though descending from a height ! ! ! 

u Safely down" said I, a and now tell me what you see 
in the room." 

u There is something dark on that side," she replied. 1 
answered, u Yes, what is it ? v a It looks dark, it looks 
like a table." So she described accurately something there 
looks like chairs, looks like a glass between the windows, a- 
carpet on the floor, very light colored.' 1 ' She placed much 
emphasis on the word light colored, and I remarked to the 
gentlemen, "that is a very extraordinary circumstance, for 
my carpet is lighter colored than one in two hundred, as Mr. 
Hale can tell you, and this fact alone, ought to establish the 
truth of Animal Magnetism.* u Well, what else; do you see 
any thing in the centre of the room ?" u Yt ?, / Si 

*It is a very singular fact, that, my carpet is probably lighter colored than □ 
ii\ use, but the true key to this is, Mr. Grant had visited me two \\ 
of course, carelessly asked many questions frjanj her cousin,- about thi hOi 
who could open the eyes of a somnambulist, gainst the" will" of the u 
Andros, also, had visited my house several times, and these two fortuufe- tell era had an 
excellent opportunity for my.tual improvement in clairvoyance, befon 
Providence; the emphasis on very light meant something, and I used it with the o 
ny as she desired. 



201 



thing in the middle of the room, it is a table," u Are you 
sure it is in the middle, is it not a little on one side ?" u Yes, 
it stands nearest to that side." I remarked to the gentle- 
men, that this was very correct, for my table stands on one 
side of the room, near the book-case. * 

Several such things were told very correctly, and I ex- 
plained it according to my theory, as usual. I was in mag- 
netic communication, and my knowledge was conveyed by 
the magnetic cords to her brain. I now told them of the 
power of ceriri) cutting off knowledge, as well as sleep. My 
communication was broken off, and Mr. Grant u was clothed 
with the exclusive power of enjoying her exclusive compa- 
ny" !!! I said, u let us try an experiment with bank notes," 
and I exhibited a Lancaster Bank note to Mr. Grant, in or- 
der to impress it on his mind, and then I put it between the 
folds of a newspaper. Mr. Grant asked her u what does 
Mr. Durant hold in the newspaper ?" u It is a bank note, 
one dollar." u Yes," now I dropped my eerin handkerchief 
between her and Mr. Grant, and he asked her u what Bank 
is it ?" u It is a banknote, Y — Y — " Mr. Grant remarked* 
that he had himself forgotten what bank it was ; I said, it 
will be necessary in this experiment, that you should know, 
because I wish to show that even when you do know, cerin 
will cut off your knowledge, and she will tell wrong ; so I 
stepped towards him, and taking out the bank note, I put in 
a letter which was lying on the table. I showed the letter to 
Mr. Grant, and said, " now impress it strongly on your mind, 
for I intend to prevent her telling it, by cutting off your 
knowledge with cerin." I held my pocket handkerchief be- 

*I need not tell the reader, that my table stands nearest to that side, for if you will 
magnetize yourself, you will see that without eyes, provided you are not deaf, 



202 

fore her, and Mr. Grant asked u what does Mr. Duranthold 
in the newspaper ?" She answered, " It is a one dollar 
note, Y — York, Bank of New- York." She was asked a 
dozen times, to be sure, and she continued to give the same 
answers, when I opened the single fold of the newspaper, and 
showed the letter to all. This was explained by my theory 
in the usual way. She told correctly one dollar note, because 
ilis knowledge was conveyed to her by the magnetic cords ; 
but as soon as the cerin handkerchief was placed between, 
it cut off the magnetic cord which conveyed the knowledge, 
and therefore she could not know there w T as a letter in the 
newspaper, but the last impression on her mind, bank note, 
was the most prominent thing on her brain, and therefore she 
must continue to answer bank note. The error in the name 
NewYork for Lancaster, is accounted for by my theory thus, 
the name of the bank had not been strongly impressed on her 
mind when I changed it for a letter. She retained the im- 
pression one dollar, and the natural association of ideas, 
gives to her brain the impression that a one dollar note must 
be of a bank ; next, what bank ? why, she knows she is in 
New-York, and therefore the association of ideas gives her 
brain the impression, u it is the Bank of New-York.''' All 
were delighted with the lucid explanation* by my theory, 
and the company separated, to dream (at Lovejoy's) on the 
inexpressible beauties of Animal Magnetism. 

'The true theory needs but very little explanation. She knows l>y bei oars, that it is 
a banknote, and every thing-' else she must guess at. It is one dollar. I anticipated this 
guess, from my previous experiment with her, and selects! tmtdoflar, to ha\ 
oris thing correctly, and now she falls completely inthe gue8Sfng k trap 1 for if Grant can 
u will" onedollar, he can a will" Lancaster, but she gnessee " wide of the mark/' 

Again, if Grant can "will" one dollar, he ©An " will" one lrtt>r; but she dcm't hit th* 
mark. Again, a cerin handkerchief, or moonshine, cuts oil' knowledge, but it don't r*& 
off guessing, for she continues guessing enoug to guess hei head oil. 



CHAPTER XXIL 

IMPORTANT FACTS RELATING TO THE HISTORY OF 
ANIMAL MAGNETISM. 

Philosophical ramble — I never think of such things — / am 
satisfied they are asleep y and that is enough — But layout 
— Mysterious atmosphere about the author — Did you say 
so — No — Letter of David M. Reese, M. D. — Mrs. 
Jlndros again in New York— She must think she is asleep 
- — Tells a great deal better — Can't tell what ticket draws 
the high prize in the lottery — Balance of account in the 
notes. 

I called to see the professors on the morning of the 9th 
Sept., and had a social conversation on the all absorbing 
topic of magnetical science. I u let down the bars/ 5 and 
took professor Grant in a large open field, for philosophical 
investigations, as I said to him, do you never allow your- 
self to doubt the various things in life, in order to convince 
yourself of realities, by philosophical proofs; I often indulge 
in such speculations myself, and though it may not be very 
lucrative, yet it feeds the insatiate appetite of mind, and 
seems a suitable employment to strengthen the reaching pow- 
ers of thought. I would take that picture, or the slab on 
that table, for instance, and doubt that it is marble ; thought 
would then search for proofs to support my doubts, and in 
the pages of cosmogenous law, a formidable argument could 
be offered to the arbitration of mind ; painted wood is some- 
times made to resemble marble ; fragments of other rocks 
may be so combined as to deceive the most critical eye ; 
earth and metals in cemented masses, may imitate it, and yet, 
in its decomposition by fire, it might not form lime, or in' a 



204 

chemical analysis, show the component atoms in properties 
or quantities which nature employed in the formation of what 
by general consent is called marble ; again, there are many 
proofs that it is in reality what to the eye it appears to be ; 
it is colored and hard like marble, it is cold and susceptible 
of polish like marble, it is brittle and fractures like marble, 
and a chemical analysis may show that it has all the atoms in 
just proportions to form what by common consent is called 
marble ; have you never allowed your mind to investigate 
matter by reaching with thought for the proofs to' confirm 
the reality of appearances ? 

u No, I don't know that I ever thought of it; I don't 
know that I ever think of any thing of that kind.' 5 

Well, I frequently indulge myself in such meditations. 
and I am very apt to doubt all things until I philosophically 
prove them to my mind. I even sometimes allow myself to 
doubt that I am alive or have an existence ; and in this, like 
in all other cases, I find many proofs to support my doubts. 
You know in our dreams, we think positively, that we are in 
some other world than this earth, and then sucklenlv we are 
positive it was a dream ; I have often dreamed and was coi:- 
scious^that I was dreaming ; the vision has been pleasant, and 
I have tried to remain in sleep, by avoiding any motion of 
the muscles that might cause me to wake. I have seen hor- 
rible visions, and was not only conscious that it was a vision, 
but I have also succeeded by great exertions to rouse from 
the sleep. I sometimes think that what we call life, is noth- 
ing but a dream, and when I wake up in the morning,! shall 
have a long and amusing story to tell, about being in a world 
they called the earth, where the people lived in what they 
called houses, and clusters of them together they called cities^ 



205 

and they thought they had nights and days, and had queer 
looking things called beds, on which they recline in the nights, 
and then they imagined they slept, and even u dreamed ," as 
they call it, that they were in another world beyond it. And 
again I find many evidences that I am alive, and after duly 
weighing all the proofs, the mind decides that there is some 
reality in the appearance of things, and that I certainly have an 
existence. Have you never allowed your mind to philoso- 
phize on such things ? 

cc No, I never thought of such things. I never thought it 
worth while to think about such things." 

Well, I often amuse myself in that way, and doubt things 
until I prove them, Have you never doubted, for instance, 
the sleep of the somnambulist, in order to prove to your 
mind that they are asleep ? 

u No : we know they are asleep." 

True, but I should think you would often doubt it, merely 
to see how you could prove that they are asleep. Have you 
ever thought of any evidence that you could give to support 
the sleep ? 

u No, I don't know that I have: we are satisfied that they 
are asleep." 

Yes 3 but I think that every thing admits of proof; and for 
that reason I think the phrase self-evident, has no meaning? 
and should be erased from the catalogue of words. I should 
think you would occasionally amuse yourself with that kind 
of philosophy, and sometimes look for proofs that they are 
in sleep. 

a Why we know they are asleep, because a person awake 
could not see as they do." 

But you know I have proved to you that they have no 
clairvoyance. 



205 

u Yes, I am satisfied now that they have no clairvoyance, 
but a person awake could not be controled by the will of 
another." 

But first you would want to prove that they are controled 
by the will of another. Now I am, for instance, satisfied that 
they are subject to the u will" of another, but that don't 
prove it. You know a person might feign sleep, and guess 
at what they are to do. 

u Oh ! a person awake could not guess so correctly." 

Why it is possible to guess all things which the somnam- 
bulists have told me ; and you know that a person feigning 
sleep could shut their eyes and stand a little pinching; and if 
they are feigning sleep, they hear all that is talked about near 
them ; and if they hear, they would learn a great deal without 
guessing, for you know it is customary to talk over what you 
want them to perform : so Miss Parker might have told 
about the diseased spleen, merely by leading questions from 
Dr. Brownell, or she might have guessed it, and then not do 
more -than a person awake. I spent nearly two hours with 
her, and she told correctly only the things which were talked 
of in her hearing. 

u Well, how then could Miss Brackett read Colonel 
Stone's letter. She is blind, and cannot see anything when 
awake," 

But we should first prove that she is blind : if she feigns 
sleep she may feign blindness, and a hot knife will open a wax 
seal without injury ; or you can see a great deal of a letter 
without breaking the seal : if she could read a part with in- 
visible eyes, she should read the whole, and she only read a 
part of Ids letter. 

u Oh, I am perfectly satisfied that they are asleep." 

N 



207 

I am satisfied too, but still I frequently doubt things in my 
mind, merely to prove them. 

u Well, how would you prove that they are asleep 1 ?*'"' 

Oh, I scarce'y know. I never particularly thought of that.- 
I am so well satisfied that they are asleep, besides a person 
awake could not guess so well.* 

u Oh I have no doubt about their being asleep. "f 

There is no doubt of that, but how very difficult it is, 
Mr. Grant, to make people generally believe it. There is- 
so much evidence in it, particularly in favor of being awake, 
fou know none of the somnambulists have told me more 
than one awake could tell, and then they told so many things 
wrong, and Miss Ayres raising the right hand yesterday 
when .you willed the left hand to raise, and then all of them 
failing with me in almost every thing, make it look rather 
singular. 

cc Well, it does seem mysterious, and there must be- 
something about you. When I was conversing with Dr. 
Webb, of Providence, at the Varick House, he asked me 
what was the cause of all the somnambulists of Providence 
failing in every thing last week, when they seldom failed 
before ; and I told him that I thought it was because Durant 
was on there, and deranging the minds of the somnam- 
bulists by making them believe that they could not tell any 
tiling ; I know the mind will affect them a good deal. " 

Was that Dr. Thomas H*. Webb, the proprietor of the 
Providence Journal? What did he say to your, remarks ?* 



* I- know a colored man* who will guess at a mark with the best magnetic somnambu- 
lists in the States ; he is an arch rogue; he pretends to his customers that he is deaf, and 
so got* mucltof their knowledge from their own mouths, and then gets their shillings 
fin trlling their fortunes. 

t Look ajgftina Profc-iso/, Bfffetf yow have n.cruaod. this, book, and' " b» sure y.ou are 
right " 



208 

"Yes, I believe he is the editor of the Journal. He did 
not say much in answer to my remarks, but he seemed to 
think that you was the canse of their failing. 

It is very singular indeed that you all attribute the 
failures to some mysterious atmosphere about me. I shall 
begin to think that I am a wizard. I shall not forget your 
remark to Webb very soon. You know that my theory 
shows how these things are accomplished if the person is 
asleep, but you know that my theory does not prove that 
they are asleep ; for you see, according to my theory, the 
somnambulist may feign all these things without affecting the 
truth of the theory. 

Such conversations* continued some time when Mr. Pot- 
ter, with the two ladies^ Miss Grant and Miss Ayres, entered 
the parlor from a morning walk. 

1 remarked — You must be doing a pretty good business. 
From the company that I saw yesterday, there must have 
been as much as twentv-five dollars in the room. 1 ' 

"Yes, we are doing very well/ 3 said Mr. Potter, who 
continued, "but there were only twenty dollars there." 
Mr. Grant had previously told me that they had received 
"twenty-one dollars at that time." 

And you must have had as much more at the first 
exhibition the previous evening ? 

Mr. Potter answered " we received only eleven dollars 
then." 

That will make thirty-one dollars, which will pay your 
expenses, and I think it very encouraging for the commetice- 
ment. 

* I have held similar conversation*- with thiee •li'frp-nr professoil, a. id il\*ays 
received similar answers. Not one of them ever offered I 
magnetic sleep. 

n2 



209 

Mr. Grant replied, u Oh yes, that does very well, and 
more than pays the expenses."* 

Mr. Potter followed me to the stairs on my departure, 
where I had some conversation about the success of Animal 
Magnetism in New York. I said to him, there are a 
great many unbelievers, and I fear that if you exhibit any 
more before I have time to publish my theory, the citizens 
may perhaps be a little rude. After my theory shall have 
appeared, they will then understand the science, and not 
only believe in it, but the most of them will be delighted 
with it. At present, you cannot explain it, and many even 
think it is a deception. When I left the room yesterday, 
after that exhibition, I heard some of the gentlemen whis- 
pering among themselves something about broken bank 
notes. 

Mr. Potter replied, " well, if any body has received bad 
money from me, let them come and tell me of it, and not 
whisper about it in my absence." 

* The reader will find a key to this in the dream recorded in a preceding chapter. 
You will recollect there were only five the first evening, who were all invited, and, of 
course, came in gratis. Now I happened to be present at the twelve o'clock experi- 
ment, when there were only thirteen paying visitors, and if I am to believe my dream, 
(which I know to be more correct than such stories from professors,) thirteen persons 
entered for ten dollars less than nothing ! Let us enter the account in the ledger, and 
strike a balance:— Dr. Cr. 

Science. Private acc't. 

Five persons, tickets one dollar, $5 00 

Do. error in account, as they didn't pay, $5 00 

Thirteen persons, tickets one dollar 13 00 

Broken bank notes, worth nothing, but went at par, charge 'em ? 23 00 

full value,.... > 

18 00 28 00 

Change received at the door and due to Science to balance ? 1Q qq 
accounts, S 

#28 00 #29 00 

By the above, I find science must receive ten dollars before they are even square 
with New York, and the debt is as bad as the debts due from Chicago to Pearl streei, 
overstocked with such commodities, and "chance so scarce and exchange so high, that 
we can't send it by letter. We will be down to the city in the spring-" 



210 

I then remarked, no, I did not understand it so ; I could 
only catch their meaning from whispers, but I understood 
them to say that they had given you bad money. You could 
tell, I suppose, by looking in your pocket book ? 

wC Yes, I know what money I have got, and I suppose 
they mean to say, if I ^m ********* * 3 they will 
####&#*#» j 3U |- j et them come on with their bad 

money." 

I don't know that they meant any thing, but you know 
thoughtless people are sometimes rude, and until they can 
see my theory to explain the science, they will not believe it; 
being a friend to you, I thought it was my duty to tell you 
what I heard, and then you could act as you thought best. 

" Well, I am much obliged to you, for telling me, but I 
don't fear them ; let them come on with their bad money, I 
am ready for them." 

The following letter from Dr. Reese, of New York, may 
serve to corroborate my testimony in relation to professor 
Grant, and Miss Ayres. 

" Jersey City, September 28th, 1S37. 
Dear Sir — Having learned, that during the late visit of Mr. Grant and his 
lady somnambulist to this city, you availed yourself of the opportunity to 
investigate the subject of Animal Magnetism, and having understood that 
you tested the pretensions of the magnetizer and his somnambulist, m the 
presence of a number of ladies and gentlemen, in a manner well calculated to 
satisfy the curious; I would respectfully solicit the result of your observations, 
together with any facts within your knowledge in relation to the subject. 
Your early compliance will oblige, as I am about issuing a publication on the 
subject, to which professional testimony may be important and useful. 

Yours, 
D. M. Reese, M. D." C. F. DURANT. 



" New York, September '29th, 1837, 
Dear Sir — In reply to your brief note of yesterday, and in compii Dec 
with your request, I can have no objection to state " the result of my observa- 
tions" upon Mr. Grant and the young lady who was the subject of his "expe- 
riments in Animal Magnetism; but as to any "facts within my knowledge 
in relation to the subject," I regret to say that so far as my opportunities of 
personal knowledge will allow me to decide upon the merits o( "Animal 
Magnetism," there is an utter absence of any single " fact," which can in the 



211 

least give a shade of reality to the "science falsely so called." I saw a 
variety of experiments performed at Clinton Hall, upon the young lady in 
question, by Mr. Grant, his friend Mr. Potter, and other gentlemen, but 
neither in their manipulations, volitions, nor conversations with her during 
apparent somnambulism, nor in those which I myself conducted, was there 
to my mind any semblance of evidence, which even rendered it probable that 
she slept at all, or whether, asleep or awake, that she possessed the faculty of 
clairvoyance or even imaginative locomotion, as pretended ; but, on the con- 
trary, all the "facts" which served to bewilder and even convince others of 
the genuineness and marvellousness of the somnambulism, were to my 
mind so obviously "false facts," that I was utterly amazed at the delusions 
by which so many around me were deceived and imposed upon. 

Y\ 7 ithout describing minutely each experiment I witnessed, suffer me to state 
that Mr. Grant's theory is that there is no sight or clairvoyance* in the somnam- 
bulist, but he alleges that the phenomena which he professes to exhibit, result 
wholly from the mental sympathy or intercommunion between the mind of the 
magnetized person and the individual who is in conversation with her. He used 
very little manipulation, but employed his eyes in looking upon her intently, 
and his will in producing sleep. He declared that he could put her to sleep 
without being in the room with her, but in no instance succeeded when he 
tried it in my presence, though he said he had often done so. I saw him, however, 
a number of times, by the exercise of his will, and the use of his eyes, dispose 
her to a semblance of sleep ; after which, by a few passes with his hands, he 
would pronounce her in a state of somnambulism. The following dialogue 
took place on one of these occasions, which will serve as a specimen for the 
uninitiated. 

"Mary, are you asleep?" "Yes," was her modest reply. Then turning 
to me, Mr G. said, "Now, Sir, I will convince you that she is under the 
influence of my will, and that she cannot see. I will drop this pencil into her 
hand, and she shall call it whatever you please." I expressed my satisfaction 
with the test, and wrote on a slip of paper, " a loaf of bread," and handed it to 
him. He promptly spoke to his " sleeping beauty," and said, "Mar)', hold up 
your hand." She did so. "Both hands," he added, and she obeyed. This 
manoeuvre I understood to be significant that it was something large which 
was to be. giyen her. Dropping the pencil in her hand, and potting forth all 
the power of his will, he said, "Mary, what is this?" She replied, "it is a 
water-melon!" Again he repeated the question, and she said "a big apple T 
And thus she went on guessing unsuccessfully, until aware of her utter 
railure, she sighed heavily, and was asked if she was sick, to which she 
feplied in the affirmative, and her indisposition was alleged as the cause of 
her failure. After trying the same experiment again and again with a key, 
a knife, &c, it was abandoned. I then gave her my watch, having previously 
moved the hands some hours beyond the correct time, and Mr. G. told her to 
tell the hour without looking at it, which he affirmed she could do with 
accuracy. She guessed, after holding it a moment to her stomach, and to the 
side of the neck, naming the correct hour of the day, but a very different time 
from that which the watch indicated. Being told that she was altogether 

* When professor Grant first came to New York on this science, he was a firm 
believer in clairvoyance. I had much trouble to convince him of his error, and it was 
not until my first experiment with Miss Ayres that he gave up to me, and acknowledged 
himself a perfect convert to my theory. He should at least have told Dr. Reese where 
he acquired his theory. No professor of the science since the days of De Puy- 
segur and Deleuze, had any theory whatever until my beautiful theory dazzled tbeir 
understandings. "Give every dog his bone." In theory "Iwill have my pound' qf 
fiesh." 



212 

wrong, she half opened her, eye?, and in passing the watch again from her 
stomach to her neck, stole a glance at it, but still failed to guess within aa 
hour or two, and this experiment also was a failure. I then attempted to 
conduct her on a short walk through streets with which she was not lam liar 
when awake, and though she readily professed to go in imagination on the 
designated route, and to see all that I described to her. yet the moment I 
ceased to give her lending questions, I found her utterly in fault, guessing and 
blundering perpetually, until, in common with all the company, I tell no other 
sentiment than disgust for the silly imposture, and commisseration for its 
deluded victims. 

After a number of interviews with this young lady when awake, and after 
witnessing her in a state of somnambulism, so called, and closely investi- 
gating the experiments made by Messrs. Grant and Potter, at one time, and 
by the former three times, as well as listening to conversations held with her 
by a number of gentlemen after being magnetized, I have deliberately come 
to the conclusion in my own mind, which subsequent reading and reflection 
have confirmed, that no part or parcel of the pretensions of Animal Magnetism 
has any foundation in truth, but that the whole is a ridiculous conceit, a 
stupid ****.**, of which its devotees will soon be heartily ashamed. 

That this girl, though said to be peculiarly susceptible of the magnetic fluid, 
and an excellent specimen of somnambulists, was ever asleep in my presence, 
1 unhesitatingly deny. Her eyelids never ceased to quiver when they were 
closed; the rotary motion of the eye was unceasing, and the pupil gave evi- 
dence, on opening the eye, that the function of vision was in no degree 
suspended, though of this I had other and unequivocal evidence. Never- 
theless, she seemed to be asleep in the estimation of all the believers, although 
to a practised observer her sleep was but a clumsy counterfeit. It was said, 
however, by two gentlemen who saw her, and had previously seen Colonel 
Stone's girl at Providence, that Mary gave as veritable evidence of Genuine 
somnambulism as she. :Gf this, however, you can judge, after having seen 
them both, as I understand you have. If this be so, however, I cannot sup- 
press my astonishment that any man of ordinary intelligence could be so 
egregiously gulled, as I find some of my quondam friends have been. As to 
the experiments I witnessed, during the several hours I devoted to this object. 
at each of my visits, I am constrained to declare that during her alleged som- 
nambulism, this girl exhibited no one evidence, either of clairvoyance or sub- 
mission of her mind to the will of her fnagnetizer, nor were there any pheno- 
mena which could compare in mysteriousness with the "facts" with "which 
^fortune-tellers, in the shape of old women, astrologers, and ******, are 
ever and anon enlightening our most gullible citizens. 

If you shall succeed in the publication of your "Key" to expose this most 
mischievous of modern *******, or rather this resuscitation of an 
imposture, you will be a public benefactor. And I trust, our good friend, 
the Colonel, with his ********** * * * * * correspondent, by whom 
he has been indoctrinated into this stupid delusion, will be restored to their 
senses through your instrumentality. Wishing you all success in your good 
work, I remain, Yours truly, D. M. Reese, M. D. 

C. F. Durant, Esq." 

Mr. Reese will perceive that I have striken out a few harsh 
words, which (though they may be just,) it will be perceived 
by a perusal of these chapters, would not accord with the 
ienor of my rebukes. The conqueror, to be truly brave, 
auust be merciful. I went some distance to cut a sicitck, 



213 

when at the same time I have a bundle of horsewhips on my 
desk; we should also keep in view that 

" Even as the plume adds swiftness to the dart, 
Pruned language sends its saiire to the heart..", 

Writers on fiction usually have a heroine whom they place 
in the foreground of the tableau vivant ; and describe with 
the most minute precision her outgoings and incomings : but 
as my tale contains facts instead of fiction, I will bring forth 
my hero, whose perambulations my readers are no doubt de- 
sirous to learn. It will.be recollected that I left him in Pro- 
vidence, though not without a second brief lecture and 
friendly admonition for his good. I kept from him the de- 
tails of my experiments, but told him in plain words- — Mr, 
Andros, there is no such thing as sleep or somnambulism in 
all the Animal Magnetism of Providence or the Universe; 
the whole is a deception, and both simple and disgraceful. 
I advised him to attend to his mercantile business and aban- 
don the false doctrine, except occasionally in private to lull 
any suspicion on the mind of Mrs. Andros. He. said, cc it 
can't be possible that all are mistaken, and Mrs. Andros must 
think that she is asleep. 55 I asked him if he had tried what 
I proposed to him at my house as the means of detecting her 
deception, and he answered me, u no, for she must think 
she is asleep, and I have spent a hundred dollars in my visit 
to New York ; if I could only have two or three lectures to 
get that back, I would not care so much. I promised to 
«:ive you fifty dollars to pay your expenses to come on with 
me to satisfy yourself, and I am willing to give you a hundred 
dollars, for you have been at a good deal of trouble for me ; 
but would you care if I went to Boston to lecture there, un- 
il 1 could get back what it has cost me ?"' 
In answer to him, I said : Mr. Andros, it is asserted tha £ 



214 

c t every man has bis price/' and I may have mine ; but a few 
hundred, or a few thousand dollars will not purchase me. 
You promised, it is true, to pay my expenses, but I did not 
come to Providence expressly for you, and therefore I could 
not receive money from you. I am provided with funds, 
and I have now done with you. You may lecture where 
you choose ; but if I am now asked my opinion of the 
science, I must give it in candor. If you go to New York,- I 
shall be asked the question daily ; and if you go to Boston, I 
have friends who. know that I have been investigating the pre- 
tended science, and they will write to know my opinion, 
which I must give them now in candor, as I have no more oc- 
casion for duplicity.. I shall say nothing about it at present, 
unless asked the question; but some future day, when I have 
more leisure, I will write out the result of my inquiries. 

I had intended to go from Providence to Nantucket, to see 
professor Poyen; but business now T required my attention at 
home, and having in my possession such overwhelming proofs 
against Animal Magnetism, I judged that any further investi- 
gation would be a sinful waste of time. 

My admonitions seemed of little avail, for scarcely three 
weeks elapsed, when I learned to my astonishment that Mr. 
Andros and his lady had arrived in New York. I called to 
pay him my respects in a few days after his arrival, and when 
I told him that the visit was very unexpected, he replied : — 
Ci Why Mr. A. G. Thompson, of New York, a very rich 
man, was on to Providence, and he saw me put .Mrs. Andres 
asleep, and he wanted us to come on to New York to give 
him some private experiments; and yesterday he gave me a 
check for one hundred dollars. We go to his house twit. 
day, and he says he will pay all our expenses. He is a firm 



215 

1 ^iever in Animal Magnetism, and I have no doubt will pay 
me very liberal ; and Mr. Doyle will be on in a few days, 
and then we thought of giving a few lectures." 

I asked him if he had tried what I proposed, to satisfy him- 
self of her feigning sleep, and he answered, u no, but I know 
she thinks she is asleep, Mr. Durant, and she tells a great 
deal better now, than when you saw her." 

What has she told so extraordinary lately. 

u Oh, I don't know, she has told a great many things, you 
would be astonished." 

Well, what is one thins" she has told ? 

" Oh, I hardly know, but she tells a great deal better than 
when you was at Providence." 

Well, Andros, when she improve? so as to tell what ticket 
draws the highest prize in the lottery, I want you to let me 
know, will you ? 

u Oh, I know you don't believe it, Mr. Durant, but some 
how she did not tell well when you saw her, and I know you 
are going to write and say a great many things against it." 

I assured him that I intended only to write my theory, 
and let the public draw their own inferences, which 1 trusted 
would be very favorable to the science. 

I called at another time, and saw Mrs. Andros, in his ab- 
sence, when the following dialogue occurred. 

u I hear you are going to write against magnetism, Mr. 
Durant, I should think you would not, I don't see why you 
should." 

I don't see who could say that I was going to write 
against it. I am about publishing my theory, with the facts 
that I have witnessed, and you know that would rather be a 
benefi,t than injury to the science. 



216 

u I don't sen why you want to write at all about it ; you 
wont publish any names, will you ? I would not like to have 
my name published.' 5 

I should think you would like to have your name in it, 
the theory will be very interesting, and I came partly to see 
if you desired to have your name in it. Of course I would 
not mention your name unless you desired it. 

" I don't see why you want to write any thing about it ; 
you wont make it any better or any worse. You see a good 
may persons write against it, and it don't amount to any thing. 
Mr. Andros has heard that you are going to write against it, 
and he don't care. He says, if nobody writes against it, he 
would be obliged to hire* some one to do it, so as to make it 
more known." 

I now u wilted" my fore finger to open, and the hand to 
raise, as I said to her, woman, you know that / know 
enough about it, and you may tell Mr. Andros, that if he will 
employ me to take up the pen against Animal ^lagnetisrn, I 
warrant that he will never have occasion to employ another. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

strictures on col. wh. l. stoxf.'s letter to doctor a. bf.jgha.' 
Animal magnetism. 

Col. Wm. L. Sto?> t e : 

Sir, — Your u letter to Dr. A. Bri^ham, on Animal 
netism, describing an interview with Miss Loraina Brackett, 
while in a state of somnambulism," seems to require a special 
notice from the author of a Key to the mysteries. 

'This aayiug, Andros got from Peter F. Ewer, and it was ajways o?er 

when an article appeared in any of the papers, against Animal Magnetism. 



217 

Strictures, rigid and ample, on your letter, will be found 
in the twenty-two chapters preceding this page, where evi- 
dences conclusive and overwhelming, are given, to prove 
that the doctrine is a deception, and so simple and wicked, 
that reason must brand with weakness, infatuation and idiocy , 
the man who will hereafter believe in it. It cannot be pre- 
sumed that I would now discuss, sentence by sentence, your 
letter, in order to show its false and wicked tendency, when I 
have already proved, beyond the probability of doubt, that the 
doctrine on which you found your u remarkable interview !" 
has no foundation in truth. A single paragraph from your 
letter, would now be a stain to my page, and you must read- 
ily perceive, that an attempt on my part, now, to disprove 
your narration, when I have already proved that your subject 
and doctrine is false, would be a most effectual satire on my 
self. I cannot, however, allow your letter to pass without a 
condemning sentence on its pernicious tendency, and a brief 
notice of your reprehensible conduct, in raising a false bea- 
con on your high name and character, to strand the weak 
minds of a credulous world. I will show you cause for re- 
pentance, till you shall loathe the offspring of your own brain, 
and if a u volition of your will" could accomplish it, you 
should u vomit" your production " in telpher <£3j lap," to 
clear out the guilty stain from your heart. 

The votaries of Animal Magnetism, claim for their idol, 
attributes, nothing short of omniscience; and you, as an en- 
lightened man^ living in an enlightened age, should have known 
that omniscience belongs to Deity alone. " Charms," 
u fortune-telling ," and u astrology," have been duly meas- 
ured by the scale of evidence, and are now, by conamon con- 
sent, stamped with deception and infamy. Yet their rotew 



218 

claimed for their idols, nothing less, ana nothing more, in 
attributes, than are now claimed for this most impious de- 
ception, called Animal Magnetism. You cannot have for- 
gotten Perkin's metalic tractors, or Miss Rachel Baker's au- 
guries ; they both lived in your day, ranked with Animal 
Magnetism, and both, by a due analysis of evidences, are 
now, by common consent, branded with deception and infa- 
my. The votaries of u trance," at camp meeting, claim 
for it u clairvoyance" equally omniscient with that claimed 
for Animal Magnetism; and yet all men of sound sense, know 
that it is a delusion. As that phenomenon still has believers, 
and is mentioned in my work, I will give you the key to un- 
lock it Should it ever be your fortune to see the t; en- 
tranced" and to be ;c clothed with the power of Ic^her^^Tj* 
exclusive company," seat yourself by her side, take one of 
her wrists in each of your hands, (their limbs are usuallv 
stiff,)' pretend that you are a believer, and trying to see if 
you can bring her right hand to her face; try the righthand 
gently for a dozen or more times, you will find the arm stiff 
and immoveable ; then suddenly and unexpected to her, 
you may bring the left hand to the face ; such is a true kev, 
which I warrant will lead you to the arcanum of her u clair- 
voyance. 

Witchcraft, which has left a stain of blood on the historic 
page of our own country, is now, by common consent, and 
in vour own mind, stamped with u infamous chlusion." Yet 
it never had more, and it never claimed less, than is now 
claimed for the science of Animal Magnetism. 

It is but three years since, that (be ne.vsp. f the 

country were teeming with the kW marvellous clairvoyant 
powers, of Miss Jane C. Rider, a natural somnambulist, M of 



219 

Springfield, Mass. In chapter one, I have given an extract 
from Dr. Belden's book, to show the powers attributed to 
her. Most persons read the marvellous stories related of 
her, and thousands believed^ and still continue to believe 
them. I never saw the parties, but from the honest and 
sincere description by Dr. Belden, a poor infatuated man, 
like yourself, I will give you a key to unlock her most simple 
deception. She read cards, and read letters; she even wrote 
one in her somnambulic sleep, and it occupies more than a 
page of the book referred to. Thousands went to see he?, 
and like yourself, prepared to see a miracle ; they returned 
with a belief that she really possessed u clairvoyance," with 
invisible eyes, and supernatural' powers. The book contains 
letters from Hon. Wm. B. Calhoun, Rev. W. M 0. Pea- 
body, Dr. John Stone and Dr. Bakery vouching for the 
truth of her miraculous deeds, and to this day, the secret of 
her deception, I have cause to believe, lies locked in Miss 
Rider's breast, and mine. It is so extremely simple, that I 
never discovered it until experimenting in your idol, Animal 
Magnetism. As she may again resume her u paroxisms ," I 
will give you her mysterious key, which may open your eyes, 
when' you shall be "clothed with the power of ic^her=*£n} 
exclusive company." She always complained of the light, 
and was blindfolded with a handkerchief, when she, or any 
one else, can see and read at the epigastrium ; try yourself, 
with even half a dozen handkerchiefs, and even put cotton 
batts beneath ; if they do not touch the nose so much the 
better, and then, I warrant you will have u invisible eyes and 
clairvoyBnce," withoiitthe u will" of the Animal Magnetizer.* 

* Extracts from Dr. Beldeti's book. " Her eyes are so sensible to the light, that she 
invariably suffers when she goes abroad in a clear day without a veil." Page 31. 
"Hcrcy.es were generally clcse^ but at times the£ \tere stretched Vri&ely open, and 



220 

This simple imposition has deceived thousands. Dr. Belden, 
like yourself, devotes several pages to prove the " impossi- 
bility of deception,'' on the part of his prophetess, and then, 
poor deluded man, he devotes chapters on the causes and 
phenomena of sleep, with a dissertation on metaphysics ; 
subjects which he knows nothing about, and clothes his im- 
aginings in language which no reader can understand ; yet 
the world must be pestered with his book, like the nauseating 
offspring of your own brain, another "vomit in the lap*' of 
the community. 

The first information I received of your delusion, was from 
reading the article in the Commercial* of Sept. 4th. - I was 
then in Providence ; on my arrival in New York, I called at 
your office to undeceive you. You had been a friend to me, 
and I hoped in turn to befriend you, I gave you enough to 
understand that I could prove the whole was a deception. 
I asked for the letter which the pretended blind girl had read, 
and told you I would explain how any one could read it. 
You excused yourself from talking further, for want of time, 
but said you was going to Providence, and on your return 
I should see it. 



the pupil was then very considerably dilated. These different states of the eye, seeme I 
to occasion no difference in the power of seeing." Page 41. 

M In the day time she always had the eyes covered with a bandage rthring the parox« 
ranis; nor would she allow it to be removed for a single moment." Pi* 

'• I do not know that she ever read cards which she had never ieen, when onfe 
Back was presented to her." Page 50 

"A person standing benindher, very carefully interposed a piece of brown papei 
tween her eyes and the paper on which she was writing. Whenever this w .. 
appeared disturbed, and exclaimed " dun 7, don't." " A watch was presented to her, the 
faceof which was concealed by a piece of brown paper placed between it and the 
chryst+il. Instead of telling the time, she observed, " any thing but a Roger tr 
Page 63.. 

* VUte' chapter iv . 



221 

On your return, Monday, 11th Sept., I called at your 
office, when you showed me the letter ; can I cause you to 
blush, when I describe it ? A letter folded in the usual and 
most careless form; the inner edges of the folds not meeting 
within one inch, and on the head where one seal is always 
placed, and where one is quite enough, you had placed five ! 
on each side where at least five w T ere necessary to prevent 
seeing inside, you had but one seal ! shall I describe the 
conversation at that time? The five seals were unbroken, 
but the seal at each side was broken, as you said, by yourself. 
As I held the letter up to the window, and kept the broken 
seal closed with my thumb and finger, I said to you, u Col. 
there are two words which I can see at this distance,' 5 (two 
feet off,) and w 7 hile holding the seal I opened the folds, say- 
ing, u there are three more words that I can see;" and turn- 
ing it over, " there are several more, Col., which can be read 
without breaking a seal, and if you will fold another letter 
just like this, I will read any sentence you may write in it 
while I am awake; 55 you answered, u then I should icant the 
privilege oj putting your eyes out , for she is blind." "Are 
you sure she is blind ?" " Yes, she is perfectly blind, that is 
well known, and more than fifty respectable people in Provi- 
dence toill vouch for it." u Col., she is not blind,' 5 and 
then I explained to you how my theory had elicited the con- 
fession, u I can distinguish objects very well, 5 ' in her own 
words, at which you answered, " well, I knoiv she can dis- 
tinguish a faint outline of objects when held up to the light ; 
but they donH believe your theory in Providence." 

u I should think that they would not, for T don 5 t believe 
it myself, but some of the professors, at least, believe it, and 
by the theory I will prove that Miss Brackett, can see very 
well" 



222 

During that conversation, I requested you to write to Mr. 
Covil, of Troy, for his letter which I offered also to explain 
if it could be procured ; you declined and proposed for me 
to call personally on him at Troy. Having other business of 
importance, I could not make the tour, and I wrote to him, 
stating if he w r ould send me the letter, with a description of 
the circumstances connected with it, as far as he knew, that 
I would explain the mystery of reading it ; but he has never 
returned me an answer, probably for fear that I would unde- 
ceive him. 

The true key to all Miss Brackett told you is this. You 
supposed she was deaf, and you talked over freely and loudly* 
in her hearing what you wanted her to answer ; and you being 
infatuated with the doctrine, put leading questions to her, 
without being conscious of it yourself. When |c~p u she 
rose with offended dignity, and walked towards the door"^£nf 
it was to shift the cotton behind her spectacles ! so she could 
describe the things held over her head. The key to her 
reading of your letter is this: — Dr. Capron magnetized her 
for a whole night, and gave her the letter to read. While in 
bed, she looked into the sides, where there is but one seal, 
and made known the contents in the morning. This fact is 
known to you; for in Hartshorn's translation of Deleuze, he 
says she 4t took it to bed with her." Hartshorn's work was 
published — no, "vomited " — on the 6th of September, and 
you have a copy of it in your possession. 

What would you think of the man who would put a patent 
combination lock on his barn door, when it was hung with 

• k, I here suggested to the docior. thai lie should ask her whether, she saw a fruit 
piece " Colonel Stone's letters to Dr. Brigham, page 4 1—42. 

" Oh f/e-V was the reply." Quere— coul 1 you hear a loud suggestion if you feitfaae* 
aleep 1 £Cj- u Oh yes."«CT4 

O 



223 

leather hinges ? Or would you not call him a fool, who y 
having two front doors, would, to guard against robbers, un- 
hinge one, to redouble the strength of the other ? Yet you 
showed less wisdom in the manner of sealing the letter. 

You, Colonel Stone, have done much to entitle you to the 
thanks of a nation. You have fearlessly and effectually stood 
forth to defend an injured and persecuted sect, from the vile 
aspersions of a most infamous wretch : you have laid bare her 
impositions, and disarmed an unholy prejudice of power, to 
sting by arrows secretly poisoned with malicious falsehoods ; 
but your good works cannot justify you in evil. You have 
now kindled a deceptive torch, and your virtues add fuel to 
the flame : your character lends radiance to the false light, 
and thousands now strand on the rocks of delusion, who, if 
left to their own glimmer of reason, would have passed in 
safety the shoal of infatuation. I am accosted by friends at 
every turn of the street, w T ith, u Durant, have you read Col. 
Stone's pamphlet?' 5 U I thought you told us there was nothing 
in Animal Magnetism; there must be something in it: if true, 
it must overturn all present laws in society." u Colonel 
Stone is a believer in it, and he would not be led away with 
a false doctrine." 

In vain I have said to all, there is nothing in it, and Colonel 
Stone cannot believe such a simple and false doctrine. I 
have facts that must put it down, and I have told Colonel 
Stone that I had detected the deception ; lam preparing my 
evidence for the world, and it is not possible for Animal Mag- 
netism to exist any longer in any civilized country, under the 
proofs that I will give of its deceptions. But I am answer- 
ed in turn, " would to heaven you could succeed ; but what 
can you do ? The government of France has reported for- 



224 

mally against it — the Paris Medical Academy, after five years 
investigation, reported against it — thousands of writers have 
appeared in the journals against it ; — but they have not been 
able to subdue it. The doctrine is so strange, and the effects 
are so supernatural, that I could not believe it ; it claims om- 
niscience in attribute, and is too impious to believe; but Mr. 
Durant, there must be something in it, for Colonel Stone is a 
confirmed convert to the doctrine, and I must believe there 
is something in it. True, he is cautious in expressing belief, 
but his caution adds weight to his belief : he is a pious and 
cautious man, and he does not wish to tell more than he knows. 
He says "she teas in a deep and prof ound slumber, insensible, 
as we ascertained by experiment, alike to the touch and the 
voices of all present." He says that " the patient is blind, 
her eyelids moreover were entirely closed;" and he says, u the 
fact of seeing the pictures was tested in every way;" he says, 
" we satisfied ourselves of the wonderful poxter of vision, with- 
out the use of visual organs;'' he says, " she can hear noth- 
ing addressed to her by any one else than the person in mag- 
netic communication, and not even him, if he directs his con- 
versation to any but herself;" he says, in reply to the pic- 
ture, u this reply was astounding." The fact seems not only 
incredible, but absolutely impossible, but, as I believe, it is 
nevertheless true. And again, Col. Stone says, " I have 
already said repeatedly, that the characters of all the parties 
forbids the idea of fraud, collusion, or imposture," and 
"what I saw, I know to be true,"znd " Iwillnot, therefore, 
distrust the evidence of my oicn senses, ichen all the circum- 
stances were such as to render deception impossible !!!'* He 
is not credulous; Col. Stone is intelligent, his veracity is un- 
doubted, and i must therefore begin to believe this strange 



225 

doctrine; yet its tenets seems a sacrilege, and its works the 
destruction of society. I fear your evidences, Mr. Durant, 
cannot weigh against the assertions and character of Col. 
Stone, and the thousand other eminent men, who have em- 
braced the doctrine, but if you think you can prove that it is 
a delusion, why longer delay ? each hour adds new victims 
to the infatuation; try what you can do to suppress it, and 
may heaven grant you success.'* 

It is but yesterday that such conversation was addressed 
to me by a man, eminent in piety and virtue, a learned and 
intelligent friend; and such conversations are frequent, where- 
ever your letter to Dr. Brigham has been read. 

What deplorable consequences must ensue if I should sup- 
press the facts contained in this book, and allow the delusion, 
by your aid, to go on claiming its victims. The very report 
from the Paris Academy, is used in this country to establish 
the false doctrine. But Animal Magnetism, by this blow, 
can no longer triumph ; it is not possible for it to survive 
the withering blast which these pages will send it ; I have 
given too many evidences of its deception; no woman who 
reads this book, can hereafter be a magnetic somnambulist. 
She will feel and know, that each child in the room sees her 
deception; her guilty conscience will not allow her to feign 
another sleep, or if she should yet try to imitate sleep, the 
explanations herein contained, will enable even |CJ*you, the 
infatuated Col. Wm, L. Stone«*£3l to see the nakedness of 
her unholy deceptions. 







EXPOSITION, 

OR A a • 

NEW THEORY 

OF 

ANIMAL MAGNETISM, 



<h/ 



KEY TO THE MYSTERIES 

DEMONSTRATED BY EXPERIMENTS 



WITH THE 



**• 



MOST CELEBRATED SOMNAMBULISTS IN AMERICA. 



* 



ALSO, STRICTURES ON ▼ 
"COL WM. L. STONE'S LETTER TOPOCT. A. BRICIIAV." 

BY £. F. DURA'NT, 



1> 



•'Step cautious, for beneath lie* hid 
"The key to Time's dark mysteries. 
"'Twas buried'before its birth — • 
•'So sleeps unnamed; but it may live ; 
11 A whisper calls it forth— speak low — 
"'Tis Theory !" 

Chaldaic inscription on a tomb stmxe. 



NEW YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY WILEY & PUTNAM, 161 BROADWAY. 

PRINTED BY J. NARINE, 11 WALL STREKT, CORNKR Q# BROAD. 



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